amber
amethyst
carnelian
citrine
coral
crystal quartz
garnet
jade
labradorite
nephrite
onyx
pearl
peridot
prehnite
rainbow obsidian
rose quartz
tigers eye
turquoise
unakite
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Turquoise
 Turquoise is my birthstone. It is one of the oldest gem known to man. It is also one of the earliest gemstones to be mined.
Its color varies from sky blue to green, from solid colors to patterned with black "spiderweb" veins.
The Persian turquoise was first introduced to Europe via Turkey, hence its name.
In many cultures of the Old and New World this gemstone has, for thousands of years, been appreciated as a holy stone, a good-luck-charm or a talisman. A common belief shared by many of the ancient such as Ancient Egypt, Aztecs, Persia, Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, and to some extent in ancient China since at least the Shang Dynasty, thought that turquoise possessed certain prophylactic qualities. It was thought to change color with the wearer's health and protect him or her from untoward forces.
The Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes cherished turquoise for its amuletic use. The latter tribe believe the stone to afford the archer dead aim.
 Turquoise is inherently fragile and sensitive to solvents. Perfume, cosmetics, as well as skin oils, can attack the finish and alter the color of turquoise gems. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may also discolor or dehydrate turquoise.
Care should be taken when wearing such jewels: cosmetics, including sunscreen and hair spray, should be applied before putting on turquoise jewelry. They should not be worn to a beach or other sun-bathed environment.
After use, turquoise should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid a build up of residue. It should be stored in its own box to avoid scratching by harder gems.
The traditional properties of turquoise are spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.
It is the modern, traditional, and carbochon birthstones for December.
It is the 11th wedding anniversary stone.
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