Locale — Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

About this Particular Crystal

Egyptian turquoise is increasingly difficult to source. I found this rare and beautiful turquoise cabochon at a respected antique shop near the pyramids in Cairo. This natural Egyptian turquoise features a rich blue-green hue with a striking black matrix. Sourced from ancient mines in the Sinai Peninsula, this stone carries deep cultural and historical significance.

The Role of Turquoise in Ancient Egypt

Turquoise was one of the first gemstones ever mined by human hands, and in ancient Egypt, it held extraordinary power. It was a living talisman, offering spiritual guardianship, truth, and the promise of renewal in both this life and the next. Known as mefkhat, a word associated with joy and delight, turquoise was prized not only for its radiant blue-green hue but also for its spiritual and protective qualities.

Mined in the Sinai Peninsula as early as 3000 BCE, turquoise appeared in the jewelry, tombs, and ceremonial regalia of pharaohs and high priests. Its presence in the burial mask of Tutankhamun, alongside lapis and carnelian, reflected its role as a symbol of divine favor, eternal life, and celestial connection.

Turquoise was especially linked to Hathor, the goddess of beauty, fertility, and music, known as the Mistress of Turquoise. She was believed to watch over miners, dancers, and newborns, and her energy was thought to infuse the stone with vitality, joy, and maternal protection.

Details:

Weight: 6.87 grams

Size: 1.7 × 0.875 × 0.25