Türkiye has produced jewellery and ornaments made from local gemstones for over 5,000 years. There are several semi-precious gemstones native to the country, with some stones rarer than others. All the stones are said to have significant health and healing benefits, so here’s a look at the semi-precious gemstones in Türkiye and their benefits so you can pick up a few for your collection next time you’re cruising the Turkish coast.

Smokey Quartz

Gemstones in Türkiye

Did you read our article on Talented Turkish Jewellery Designers? If not, please do, as many of the jewellers we mentioned combine gold, silver, platinum, and metals with gemstones to create beautiful contemporary and unique pieces.

Türkiye has many semi-precious gemstones, including diaspore, colemanite, kammerite, jet, blue chalcedony, smoky quartz, chrysoprase, and adamite. Each has its unique qualities and is believed to have significant healing benefits, and all make a great addition to the jewellery box or home.

Diaspore/ Zultanite (P/C: Wikipedia)

Diaspore (Zultanite)

Diaspore is one of the most common gemstones in Türkiye. It is said to stimulate the mind and help memory and is found in the southwest province of Mugla. The stone is typically colourless, although rare pink, brown, and yellow diaspore does exist. Larger diaspore stones (those over 2 carats) are prized and often called “zultanite”, and crystal healers often use them to help students concentrate or to aid age-related memory loss.

The word diaspore is derived from the Greek word that means to scatter, which is apt as it is hard to work with and scatters when heated, so it is rarely set in jewellery. Diaspore is most often purchased and placed near the bed to stimulate your mind and prompt a good night’s sleep.

Colemanite

Colemanite

Colemanite is another pale, milky-coloured or transparent ore that was first discovered in California, but it can also be found in western Türkiye’s Mustafa Kemal Pascha mine. It is typically purchased by gemstone collectors and those that value its powerful properties, and it’s rarely used for jewellery, as it is difficult to cut, set and wear.

Colemanite is believed to have a unique energy that helps you find answers to questions and problems. It is also said to make you more tolerant of others. The stone is commonly used by holistic and crystal healers, as its almost electric-type properties can be felt easily, so they need to be used with caution. Still, it is a worthy stone for a collection.

Kammerite

Kammererite (Clinochlores)

Kammerite is found in Erzurum, and it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the stone. This beautiful gem has eye-catching purple, red, and pink crystals, but they are notoriously difficult to facet, making kammerite jewellery hard to find. The structure of Kammerite is fragile and splits easily, making it challenging to handle. It is also easily damaged, so this is a gemstone to add to a mineral collection or to place in a meditation area, as it’s said to unlock your soul and help you reach a higher state of consciousness.

Jet

Jet (Oltu Stone)

Jet (Black Amber) is an opaque black gemstone that has been used as a jewel and a talisman in Türkiye for thousands of years. It is found in the Oltu region of Erzurum, amongst other places, and its solid structure makes it easy to set and work with; plus when it’s polished, it looks silky smooth and fabulous!

The stone is coalified, fossilised driftwood chemically related to brown coal. The stone is said to prompt spiritual, emotional and physical guidance and help eliminate bad energy. It is an excellent stone to wear for protection or to gift to those who need guidance, it is also commonly used to make prayer beads.

Blue Chalcedony

Blue Chalcedony

Blue Chalcedony is related to quartz and comes from the ancient seaport of Chalcedon in Türkiye, where it has been extracted since 2500 BC. Its attractive blue colour ranges from baby blue to sky blue and is believed to help calm nerves and help relieve anxiety. You can find blue chalcedony set in jewellery and used in healing, so it’s a good stone to wear or have in your collection.

Smokey Quartz

Smokey Quartz

Smokey quartz can be found worldwide, and in Türkiye, it is most often found in the Büyük Menderes Basin. It’s a striking stone that gets its smoky black colour due to the natural radiation and proximity to other radioactive stones. It is often made into jewellery or ornaments.

In healing, smokey quartz is used to prompt focus and ground the mind. It’s a stone to gift those who have problems concentrating or need help to achieve their goals. Items made from smokey quartz are excellent features in an office or boardroom, or it’s a good present for students studying for exams or needing help to find their way in life.

Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase (Senkaya Enerald)

The beautiful green chrysoprase gem is also known as the Australian Jade, but the stone can also be found in Bursa, Manisa, Çanakkale, Eskişehir, and Erzurum. It’s a stone made up of tiny crystals, and it was called the “Stone of Venus” during ancient times and was often carved into jewellery due to its beauty. Some even say it was Alexander the Great’s favourite gemstone!

Chrysoprase is believed to be a powerful stone, said to open the heart, and have strong healing properties. It is said to eliminate negative energy and bring good feelings into your life. Many choose to meditate with chrysoprase or wear the stone in jewellery to prompt luck in love.

Adamite

Adamite

Gemstone collectors prize the intense fluorescence of adamite and often purchase the gemstone for their collections. This soft stone is too fragile for jewellery unless a protective setting is used. It is, however, frequently used by holistic crystal healers due to its many benefits.

Adamite is used in healing in several ways. It’s said to boost your mood and help those with anxiety and depression. Some use it to treat hormonal imbalances, boost energy levels, or support the lungs, heart, throat, and glands. It is even said to discourage unwanted attention, so placing a stone on a shelf by the phone or your door may help rid you of paparazzi and cold callers!

Shop For Jewellery and Gemstones in Türkiye

There are many talented jewellers and artisans in Türkiye, and you can often pick up unique items from the better dealers and galleries in Istanbul and along the coast. Many local jewellery shops also have items showcasing gemstones, including local stones and crystals. If you would like us to arrange a private shopping trip during your travels in Türkiye, including a visit to local jewellers or artisan stores, please get in touch with 360 Yachting.