| The Himalayas, 16,000 feet above sea level, are | | | | wearer from unnatural deaths, disasters and |
| the world's tallest mountain range. Between these | | | | poverty. |
| soaring mountains are two magical places; Tibet | | | | Turquoise is believed in both Western China and |
| and China. Because of the geographical factors, | | | | Tibet to assure a safe journey. If it is worn in the |
| the extreme weather and the harsh terrain, it is | | | | ear it prevents reincarnation as a donkey. If you |
| amazing that turquoise ever found its way into | | | | have a dream about turquoise it is very lucky and |
| the culture. It is thought that long ago turquoise | | | | will bring you good luck and fortune. When you |
| came to Tibet and Western China by traders and | | | | find turquoise it will bring you the best of luck and |
| explorers from Iran. From here Tibetan | | | | gives you new life. Most importantly it is believed |
| craftsmen took these beautiful stones and made | | | | to absorb the wearer's sins. Turquoise is thought |
| stunning jewelry for decorative and religious | | | | to be the symbol of friendship. If given to a friend |
| purposes. And since this time turquoise has been | | | | it would protect the wearer from negative |
| known as the holy stone, because of its | | | | energy and also bring good fortune. It is also |
| spectacular color and its belief for good fortune. | | | | known to bring peace at home. Turquoise is the |
| Turquoise is one of the earliest used gem stones | | | | traditional jewelry in Tibet and many parts of |
| in the world. It is treasured in Tibet and China and | | | | China. If turquoise is left untreated for long |
| has been used for barter and trade for thousands | | | | periods of time, it can change from bright green |
| of years. It is very popular with local people. It is | | | | and blue to dark brown and black color. To |
| also well known for its good luck and healing | | | | Tibetans, the changing colors represents the life |
| properties. Through Tibet and Western China | | | | cycle of birth, old age and death. |
| turquoise is frequently worn in people's hair | | | | Today there are still many large turquoise mines |
| through braids, especially on children. Turquoise | | | | in the world. The Southwestern United States is |
| stones are often seen in horse's manes, also in | | | | well known for its beautiful turquoise and so are |
| braids and on tied on to saddles for protection. | | | | parts of Iran. But, one of the largest turquoise |
| Turquoise is even sometimes seen tied onto the | | | | mines in is the Northwest Hubei province of China. |
| yaks. This is also for protection because the yak | | | | Since the Qing Dynasty, China has been mining |
| is valued and treasured so much in Tibetan and | | | | large amounts of turquoise throughout China. |
| Western China's culture. The most common place | | | | There are hundreds of turquoise mines across the |
| for turquoise stones is on the silver jewelry the | | | | large country of China. The mine in Hubei province |
| people wear daily. If turquoise is worn around the | | | | is still one of Chinas most popular mines. |
| wrist or neck it will is thought to protect the | | | | |