Turquoise

Chemical Formula: Cu(Al,Fe³⁺)₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O

Birthstone for Birthstone for Capricorn (22nd December – 19th January), Ruby was the Capricorn birthstone, and onyx or turquoise the birthstone for Leo, up until 1912. The National Association of Jewellers (US) swapped them on the basis that a lighter-coloured stone would be more suitable for the winter months. This has been accepted practice ever since.

Aligns with the Heart, Upper Heart and Throat chakras

Properties: For thousands of years, cultures throughout the world have used turquoise as a protection against harmful spells and evil. It has been worn as an amulet for protection, strength and good health, and is held sacred by many Native American tribes, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona. It is still considered to be a stone of protection on many levels, and can also be used to cleanse negative energy, including electromagnetic energy. It is calming and balancing, can stabilise mood swings, and is considered to be supportive when exhausted or overworked. It is believed by some to support intuition and psychic gifts. The colouration and properties of turquoise can vary, dependent on where it is mined.