Turquoise
Turquoise
A number of ancient beliefs surround this stone. J. B. Van Helmont stated: "Whoever wears a Turquoise, so that it, or its gold-setting touches the skin, may fall from any height; and the stone attracts to itself the whole force of the blow, so that it cracks, and the person is safe."
Medieval writers stated that turquoise became paler if its owner was ill, lost color entirely at his or her death, but recovered color when placed upon the finger of a new and healthy owner. It was believed to be a good amulet for preventing accidents to horsemen or becoming tired. Another belief was that turquoise moved itself when any danger threatened its possessor. Turquoise originally came from Persia, where it would sometimes be engraved with a motto or a verse from the Koran. The stone was also prized by Native American healers.