Turquoise is an opaque mineral that occurs in beautiful shades of blue, bluish green, green, and yellowish green. Very few minerals have a color that is so well known, so characteristic, and so impressive that the name of the mineral becomes so commonly used. In North America, the earliest known use of turquoise was in the Chaco Canyon area of New Mexico, where the gem was used over 2000 years ago. Turquoise production in the United States is located in the arid southwest, which is an ideal environment for turquoise.
Below, you can explore 4 of the most famous types of turquoise: #8, Lone Mountain, Kingman, and Blue Gem. These are some of the high-grade gemstones you will find in our jewelry.
Number 8 TURQUOISE
Number 8 turquoise is a specific type of turquoise gemstone that is highly valued for its unique color and matrix pattern. Number 8 turquoise is characterized by its vibrant blue color with a distinctive golden brown matrix running through it. The matrix is created by the presence of other minerals, such as iron and quartz, which formed intricate web-like patterns within the turquoise. It is named after the Number 8 mine located in Eureka County, Nevada, where this turquoise variety was originally found. The Number 8 mine is no longer in operation, which adds to the desirability and value of Number 8 turquoise. It is considered a prized and collectible variety of turquoise due to its unique characteristics and limited availability.
LONE MOUNTAIN TURQUOISE
Lone Mountain Turquoise is a type of turquoise gemstone known for its vibrant blue color and is named after the Lone Mountain mine, which is located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Lone Mountain mine has been a significant source of turquoise since its discovery in the early 20th century. Lone Mountain Turquoise is highly regarded for its unique and intense blue color, often with black or brown matrix patterns. The matrix refers to the veins or patterns that appear in the stone, which can add depth and character to the turquoise. The color and matrix of Lone Mountain Turquoise can vary, making each stone distinctive and valuable. The beauty and rarity of Lone Mountain Turquoise have contributed to its desirability and reputation in the gemstone market.
KINGMAN TURQUOISE
Kingman turquoise is a type of turquoise gemstone that is highly valued for its vivid blue color and unique matrix patterns. It is named after the Kingman mine, which is located in the Mineral Park Mining District near Kingman, Arizona. Known for its distinctive color, ranging from light blue to deep blue-green, and sometimes exhibiting a hint of green. The host rock is often enhanced by matrix. It can appear as intricate web-like patterns or veins of different colors, such as black, brown, or golden. These matrix patterns contribute to the individuality and desirability of each piece of Kingman turquoise. The Kingman mine has a rich history of producing high-quality turquoise. It has been in operation since the late 1800’s and has yielded some of the finest turquoise specimens in the world.
BLUE GEM TURQUOISE
The Blue Gem Turquoise is a historic turquoise from the Blue Gem Turquoise mine located in the Copper Basin area southwest of Battle Mountain, Nevada. The mine was first discovered in the early 1900’s and quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional turquoise. The mine has gone through periods of activity and inactivity over the years, with intermittent mining operations taking place. Blue Gem is a blue-green color that has been prized for its beauty and significance. This specific turquoise is known for its unique and attractive matrix patterns.
