In ancient Persia, it was used as barter currancy. Persian mines are known to have produced some of the finest turquoise in the world.

The ancient Chinese used it for their incredible carvings, although it was not considered to be as valuable as jade.

Turquoise was brought to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean area by Levantine traders, more commonly known as Turks. (Obviously, how the name Turquoise came about)

Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, the ancestors of the present day Native tribes, including the Hohokam and Anasazi, had mining communities set up in the New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada areas and were mining turquoise at the Cerrillos mine as far back as 2000 years ago.

In the western hemisphere, Turquoise was and is many things to many people. To all, it had monetary value in terms of trade material or as payment for barter itself. Many tribes of both North and South American considered it any and all of the following: lucky, medicinal, protective of it's wearer...the list does go on. There are several good, inexpensive books that can educate you should you be interested. Or Google search "the history of turquoise" and read some of the fabulous articles that people who do have a sense of history have written.