Wednesday is turquoise day. Beautiful turquoise can be found in Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, Tibet and the southwestern United States.
Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate mineral. The beautiful blue hue is caused by the introduction of copper metal and the interesting, intriguing green color is from iron deposits.
The name turquoise comes from the French, "pierre turquoise" which means "Turkish Stone".
Turquoise is one of the longest used gemstones in history for adornment. In both Hindu and Persian beliefs, the turquoise was a new moon symbol and would lead to good fortune and protection from evil or harm. Native Americans had some of their beliefs of good fortune or protection from the properties of this gem.