Turquoise

Turquoise in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Mefkat// ("joy" or "delight")

The most valued of the green stones, and a favorite among the Egyptians, was turquoise. Mined in the Sinai and imported from Persia, it was connected to the deity Hathor , who was called the "Lady of Turquoise," and as well as to the sun at dawn, whose rays and disk were described as turquoise, and whose rising was said to "flood the land with turquoise." Thus, turquoise was associated with rebirth, and figurines of turquoise were often used in funerary equipment. "You have been buried on a bed of turquoise" was a common prayer to the deceased. Turquoise was used to make jewelry, scarabs, and amulets, and for inlays.

Gemstones