SAEDNEWS: Turquoise, the mesmerizing gemstone, not only defines the rich heritage of Iran but also serves as a must-have souvenir for travelers. Learn about its cultural significance and the beauty it brings to traditional crafts.
According to SAEDNEWS, Blue, mysterious, and exquisite—turquoise is one of the world’s most treasured gemstones. Extracted from the Neishabour city in eastern Iran, which boasts the oldest and largest turquoise mine globally, this captivating stone is a hallmark of Iranian culture and artistry. Known for its stunning color and historical significance, turquoise is a top choice for tourists seeking authentic Iranian souvenirs.
Turquoise forms through the interaction of copper oxide with the phosphorus found in stones and fossils, a process that unfolds over thousands of years. Its beauty has inspired Iranian artists to adorn mosques and monuments, such as the magnificent Sultanieh Dome and Goharshad Mosque, with this vibrant stone. With its lovely name in Persian—Firoozeh—widely used for girls in Iran, turquoise embodies artistic and literary heritage, making it a symbol of cultural pride.
Turquoise is celebrated for its wide range of shades, from deep blue to shades of blue-green, green, and yellow-green, all stemming from its copper oxide origins. The most coveted type, known as Persian blue, fetches the highest prices due to its unmatched richness. Despite variations in quality, all turquoise has an inherent charm; stones adorned with distinctive spiderweb-like patterns are particularly sought after, though beauty is subjective and varies based on personal taste.
Turquoise thrives in regions with arid climates and rich copper deposits, and Neishabour stands as the pinnacle of production in Iran and the world. Home to a 7,000-year-old mine, the city continues to yield 30-40 tons of turquoise annually. An impressive 300 workshops in Neishabour transform these stones into intricate pieces of jewelry. Among the historic treasures, the oldest known piece is a statuette of a cow, also 7,000 years old, housed in the National Museum of Iran.
Persian turquoise finds its way into various forms, including jewelry and exquisite crafts like a traditional technique known as Firoozeh Koobi, wherein small turquoise pieces are expertly inlaid into copper. Prices for these stunning gems can vary widely, with pieces costing between $30 and $3000, depending on quality and size.
Whether you're a collector or a casual traveler, Persian turquoise is not just a gemstone; it’s a piece of Iran's soul, woven into its history, culture, and artistry.
