Minerals in Persian History
Persia is a country in the Middle East. Bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south, it is a country full of geographical and geological attractions and unspoiled nature. Due to the Zagros Mountains and the Alborz Mountains, the climate varies from cold to temperate to dry from north to south. If you look into history, you will see that the Persians have always known about precious stones and their value. A good example of this is the use of precious stones in the crowns of the Persian kings.
Persian history is rich in fascinating tales and legends about stones and minerals that play a significant role in the country's cultural heritage. From the majestic palaces to the royal jewels, stones and minerals have a long tradition in Persian history. Already in the ancient civilizations of Persia, stones and minerals were used for various purposes. They were used not only for jewelry making, but also for religious rituals, architectural ornaments, and even in traditional medicine. One of the most famous stones in Persian history, turquoise was considered a sacred stone and associated with protection, good luck and spiritual power. Worshiped by the Persians, it was used in jewelry, amulets, and royal regalia. Lapis lazuli also had a special meaning in Persian history. This deep blue stone was considered a symbol of heaven and associated with wisdom, truth and royal power. It was used in royal jewelry, but also in works of art and decorations. Other valuable stones and minerals such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds were also prized by the Persians and worked into elaborate jewelry. These gems were considered symbols of wealth, prestige, and royal splendor. In addition, minerals were also valued for their healing properties. In traditional Persian medicine, certain minerals were used in the manufacture of medicines and remedies to treat various ailments. Persian history is also closely linked to the mining and extraction of minerals. Persia was known for its rich mineral deposits and mining activities. Various types of metals such as copper, gold, silver and iron were mined and used in the manufacture of weapons, tools and crafts. Stones and minerals played a diverse and important role in Persian history. They were not only valuable raw materials, but also an expression of beauty, symbolism and cultural identity. Today we can still admire the splendor of these stones and minerals in Iran's museums and historical sites and see their importance in the rich Persian history.