Discover the World’s Most Stunning Turquoise Mines and Their Unique Qualities
Turquoise is a stunning gemstone prized for its unique blue-green color and has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It’s a versatile stone that can be paired with many different metals and styles, making it a popular choice among designers and collectors alike. In this article, we will explore some of the most well-known turquoise mines in the world and examine what makes each one special.
1. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise comes from Globe, Arizona, which was once home to one of the largest copper mines in North America. This mine produced turquoise that was highly sought after by jewelers due to its bright blue color with little to no matrix or veining. The mine closed in 2012, but Sleeping Beauty Turquoise remains popular among jewelry enthusiasts.
2. Kingman Turquoise
Kingman Turquoise is mined near Kingman, Arizona and is known for its deep sky-blue color with black matrix veins running through it. The Kingman mine has been producing turquoise since the early 1800s and is still active today. The quality of Kingman turquoise varies widely depending on where it’s sourced within the mine.
3. Royston Turquoise
Royston Turquoise comes from several mines located near Tonopah, Nevada but are often sold under one name as they all produce similar qualities stones varying only slightly based on location within the mine itself . Royston turquoise typically features a range of green hues mixed with brown or gold matrix running throughout the stone.
4. Bisbee Blue Turquoise
Bisbee Blue Turquoise comes from Bisbee, Arizona where it was mined as a by-product of copper mining operations until around 1975 when production ceased completely due to safety concerns about asbestos contamination at the site.. Today, Bisbee Blue is considered rare and valuable amongst collectors due to its rich blue-green hue layered over an iron oxide mineral matrix.
5. Cripple Creek Turquoise
Cripple Creek Turquoise is mined near the town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The mining site has been open since the early 1900s and produces turquoise known for its bright blue color with brown matrix lines running throughout it. This particular mine features a high-quality stone that is often used in fine jewelry.
6. Carico Lake Turquoise
Carico Lake Turquoise comes from a small mine located in Lander County, Nevada. It’s considered one of the most beautiful types of turquoise due to its bright green-blue hue and unique spiderwebbing pattern formed by veins of matrix running through it. The Carico Lake mine also produces yellow-green stones with little to no matrix, making it a versatile choice for designers.
7. Chinese Turquoise
Chinese turquoise was first discovered in the Hubei province in central China during the 1990s and quickly became popular among gemstone enthusiasts due to its vivid blue-green color and affordability compared to other types of turquoise on this list . The quality varies widely depending on where it’s sourced within China but some examples are highly sought after as they have little to no veining or matrix.
In conclusion, there are many different types of turquoise available today each with their own unique qualities based on location as well as geological factors such as mineral composition.. Whether you prefer Sleeping Beauty’s pure blue hue or Royston’s earthy greens mixed with golden brown matrix , there is sure to be a type that catches your eye!