Ever wondered how African turquoise can enhance your style or spiritual practice? Whether you’re drawn to its captivating colors or the energy attributed to natural stones, understanding “how African turquoise” works can open doors to creativity and personal growth.
This article will explore what African turquoise truly is, how to use it effectively in jewelry or meditation, and tips to care for your stone. Unlock the potential of this unique gemstone with our practical insights and easy steps.
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What Is African Turquoise?
African Turquoise is a captivating gemstone often celebrated for its beautiful green-blue hues and striking patterns of black and brown matrixing. Despite its name, African Turquoise isn’t actually a true turquoise. It is a form of jasper—a variety of chalcedony—that is mined primarily in Africa.
This stone’s nickname comes from its visual resemblance to real turquoise. Its vibrant appearance and positive energy have made it popular in jewelry and in crystal healing circles. People appreciate African Turquoise not just for its looks, but also for its reputed ability to inspire change, balance, and spiritual growth.
Key Characteristics of African Turquoise
Appearance
- Typically blue-green with black and brown veining
- Mottled or marbled surface, revealing layers of colors
- Comes in beads, cabochons, and rough pieces
Composition
- Actually a type of jasper (a microcrystalline quartz)
- Contains minerals like quartz and iron which give it color
- Harder and denser than true turquoise, ranking between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale
How Is African Turquoise Formed?
African Turquoise forms through geological processes involving the gradual deposition of minerals in sedimentary rocks. Over millions of years, water rich in minerals like iron and copper percolates through rock layers. These minerals slowly crystallize to create the blue-green jasper with dark veining.
Main Formation Steps
- Mineral Water Movement: Rainwater seeps deep into the earth, dissolving minerals from rocks.
- Sedimentation: As the mineral-rich water moves and evaporates, it leaves minerals behind in cracks and cavities.
- Crystallization: Over hundreds of thousands of years, these minerals form solid deposits of jasper.
- Surface Exposure: Natural forces like erosion eventually expose the stone for mining.
African Turquoise Meaning and Metaphysical Properties
African Turquoise is often called the “Stone of Evolution” because it symbolizes growth, transformation, and positive change. This gemstone’s energy is believed to unlock new paths in life, spark ambition, and encourage confidence.
Commonly Attributed Benefits
- Boosts optimism and lifts mood
- Enhances personal growth and self-development
- Encourages a sense of adventure and open-mindedness
- Strengthens inner calm and emotional balance
- Inspires confidence in facing new challenges
Emotional Healing
African Turquoise is said to help:
- Stabilize mood swings
- Release negative thought patterns
- Foster empathy and understanding during difficult times
Spiritual Connection
Many believe this stone aids in:
- Opening the mind to new ideas and possibilities
- Stimulating the third eye chakra, which governs intuition and insight
- Reinforcing one’s connection to the present moment and life’s journey
How to Use African Turquoise
There are countless ways to incorporate African Turquoise into your daily routine, whether for its energetic qualities or for its beauty.
1. Jewelry
- Bead Bracelets: Popular for carrying the stone’s energy throughout your day.
- Pendants and Necklaces: Keep the stone close to your heart.
- Earrings and Rings: Add a colorful touch to your look while keeping the stone’s influence nearby.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness
- Hold a piece in your hand during meditation to enhance inner calm.
- Place it on your third eye (forehead) to boost intuition.
- Use it in mindfulness practices to encourage openness to change.
3. Home and Office Décor
- Display African Turquoise stones to create a calming atmosphere.
- Place near workspaces to support creative thinking and adaptability.
4. Pocket Stones
- Carry a small piece in your pocket or bag for support during the day.
- Use as a personal “worry stone” to relieve stress by holding or rubbing the stone gently.
Practical Tips for Caring for African Turquoise
African Turquoise is relatively durable but still requires gentle handling to maintain its beauty.
Cleaning
- Clean only with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleansers.
- Do not soak: prolonged exposure to water can damage surface polish.
Storage
- Store separately from softer gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Wrap in a soft cloth or pouch for additional protection.
Energizing and Cleansing
- Refresh the stone’s energy by placing it in indirect sunlight or on a bed of quartz or selenite.
- Some practitioners also recommend smudging with sage or palo santo.
Challenges and Considerations
Although African Turquoise is beloved for its aesthetic and metaphysical appeal, a few factors require attention:
- Mislabeling: Because it’s visually similar but not chemically the same as true turquoise, some dealers may misrepresent it. Always ask about authenticity.
- Dyeing and Treatment: Some lower-quality stones may be dyed to enhance color, which can fade over time.
- Value: African Turquoise is generally more affordable than real turquoise, but high-quality specimens command higher prices.
Cost Tips and Buying Advice (Including Shipping Tips)
Cost Factors
- Size and Quality: Larger, more vibrantly colored stones cost more.
- Treatment: Untreated, natural stones fetch higher prices compared to dyed or stabilized ones.
Where to Buy
- Choose reputable crystal sellers or jewelry makers.
- Ask for details about the stone’s origin and treatments.
Shipping Tips
- Request secure packaging to prevent chips or cracks during transit.
- Consider insurance for valuable items.
- Buy from sellers with a track record of careful shipping.
Best Practices
- Read product descriptions carefully—particularly for clarity on whether the stone is natural or treated.
- Compare prices and reviews before purchasing.
- If possible, shop in-person to see and feel the stone’s energy before buying.
How Does African Turquoise Compare to True Turquoise?
| Feature | African Turquoise | True Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Jasper (quartz) | Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 | 5 – 6 |
| Color | Blue-green with matrix | Blue-green (usually lighter) |
| Origin | Mainly Africa | Global (Iran, USA, Egypt) |
| Price | Usually lower | Higher, especially for high-grade |
African Turquoise offers durability and affordability. While its metaphysical traits are celebrated by many, some purists prefer the properties of natural turquoise for traditional spiritual uses.
Practical Uses for African Turquoise
In Jewelry
- Necklaces and bracelets for daily wear
- Statement rings and earrings for accent pieces
Spiritual Practice
- Mala beads for meditation
- Chakra healing layouts
Decorative Arts
- Inlaid in mosaics, beadwork, or artwork
- Polished stones used as paperweights or desk décor
As Gifts
- Symbolic choice for those embarking on new life chapters or adventures
- Believed to offer protection and encouragement to the recipient
Summary
African Turquoise, a stunning African jasper, is beloved for its vibrant blue-green hues and its capacity to foster evolution and transformation. Symbolizing growth and adaptability, it is prized by jewelry lovers, crystal healers, and those seeking a supportive presence in their lives. While it shares a name and appearance with true turquoise, its unique properties and accessible price make it a favorite for many.
When purchasing African Turquoise, be mindful of authenticity, treatment practices, and shipping considerations. With proper care and appreciation, this beautiful stone can inspire positive changes and support you on your personal journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is African Turquoise, and how is it different from real turquoise?
African Turquoise is actually a type of jasper from Africa that resembles turquoise in color and pattern. Unlike true turquoise, which is a copper-based mineral, African Turquoise is a form of microcrystalline quartz with distinct earthy veining.
What are the main benefits of African Turquoise?
The stone is treasured for encouraging growth, change, and self-development. Many people use it to promote confidence, emotional balance, and the courage to embrace new opportunities in life.
Can I wear African Turquoise every day?
Yes! African Turquoise is quite durable, making it ideal for daily wear in jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Just be sure to clean and store it properly to preserve its natural beauty.
How do I cleanse and recharge African Turquoise?
Cleanse by wiping with a damp cloth, and recharge by placing it in indirect sunlight or setting it on a piece of quartz or selenite overnight. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking the stone.
Is African Turquoise expensive?
Generally, African Turquoise is more affordable than genuine turquoise. The price depends on quality, size, and whether the stone is untreated or dyed. Shop from reputable sellers to ensure you’re getting genuine African Turquoise at a fair value.