turquoise this magnifiscent stone
Turquoise is one of the most beautiful semi-precious stones in all the world. Indeed, it has been said that no other opaque stone is more beautiful and popular! The archeological record reveals that turquoise has long been cherished, with the earliest documented use going back to 6000 B.C. Egypt.
Mother nature was quite democratic in her allocation of this precious stone. Although turquoise deposits are quite rare, quality turquoise is found in isolated locations on virtually every continent. In North American, reserves of the highest quality of turquoise can be found in several southwest states, especially Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. In South America, Chile is home to some deposits of respectable quality. The Eurasia continent is where turquoise was first mined and given its current name, a misnomer based on the false belief that this gem came from Turkey. Turquoise is also being mined in Egypt (in minute quantities) and in Australia.
Mother nature was quite democratic in her allocation of this precious stone. Although turquoise deposits are quite rare, quality turquoise is found in isolated locations on virtually every continent. In North American, reserves of the highest quality of turquoise can be found in several southwest states, especially Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. In South America, Chile is home to some deposits of respectable quality. The Eurasia continent is where turquoise was first mined and given its current name, a misnomer based on the false belief that this gem came from Turkey. Turquoise is also being mined in Egypt (in minute quantities) and in Australia.
Ask any random person why turquoise is so named. Most will look at you like you are a fool and inform you that turquoise (the gem) is named after turquoise (the color)! Most individuals seem to believe that the color name came first and was applied to the stone.
Not so! Turquoise is a French term meaning Turkish Stone. It comes from the French phrase pierre turquoise, where "pierre" translates as "stone." It was believed, inaccurately, that turquoise came from Turkey. While much turquoise was traded in Turkey, the items bought and sold probably originated in Iran or the Sinai Peninsula. The turquoise that first arrived in Europe was probably obtained in Turkish bazaars by Venetian traders. "Turquoise" is thus a misnomer.
Over time, "turquoise" came to be used to denote a shade of blue exhibited in high quality turquoise. In fact, if you design websites, browsers such as the one you are using now will recognize "turquoise" as a color command for fonts, background colors, and the like. If you are a purist, the color code is this: Hex={40,E0,D0}, which produces this color.
Before turquoise became "turquoise," it was appreciated around the world under other names. Gubelin (1966) and Pearl (1976) have done a great service by collecting and listing the various name. Here is a partial list:
Not so! Turquoise is a French term meaning Turkish Stone. It comes from the French phrase pierre turquoise, where "pierre" translates as "stone." It was believed, inaccurately, that turquoise came from Turkey. While much turquoise was traded in Turkey, the items bought and sold probably originated in Iran or the Sinai Peninsula. The turquoise that first arrived in Europe was probably obtained in Turkish bazaars by Venetian traders. "Turquoise" is thus a misnomer.
Over time, "turquoise" came to be used to denote a shade of blue exhibited in high quality turquoise. In fact, if you design websites, browsers such as the one you are using now will recognize "turquoise" as a color command for fonts, background colors, and the like. If you are a purist, the color code is this: Hex={40,E0,D0}, which produces this color.
Before turquoise became "turquoise," it was appreciated around the world under other names. Gubelin (1966) and Pearl (1976) have done a great service by collecting and listing the various name. Here is a partial list:
- Agaphite: Turquoise from Persia (modern day Iran).
- American Turquoise: Pale blue, porous turquoise. Applied to turquoise of this kind regardless of its geographic origin.
- Aztec stone: A general term applied to many minerals, including turquoise with green shades.
- Cobweb turquoise matrix: Turquoise with a strong spider web-like matrix.
- Egg-shell turquoise: Turquoise with a matrix that looks crackled.
- Egyptian turquoise: Turquoise deemed to be less desirable due to a weak blue coloring or yellow-green shading. The term is used without concern for the geographic source of the stone.
- Mexican turquoise: Synonym of "American turquoise."
- Persian turquoise: Exceptional, light blue turquoise from the region now known as Iran. More recently, "Persian turquoise" is being used as a quality grade, regardless of the origin of the stone.
- Rock turquoise: Rock which includes turquoise and and other minerals.
- Turquoise nuggets: Pebbles that have been polished in a tumbler.
- White buffalo stone: Aluma Phosphate, not technically a turquoise, but beautiful and often marketed as such. Found in just one mine in Nevada.
properties of turquoise
Turquoise has the following properties and characteristics:
Turquoise has the following properties and characteristics:
- It is a mineral known as hydrated copper aluminium phosphate mineral.
- Its chemical formula is CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·5H2O.
- It is rarely found in crystal form. It is classified as a cryptocrystalline mineral. This means that the crystals that form it are so small that they are difficult to discern without the aid of a microscope.
- It is a soft mineral, with a hardness score of less than 6.
- It is highly porous, which is why it is often sealed with wax or epoxy.
- It is opaque, not transparent, and has a waxy luster.
- Its color range includes deep blues, light blues, bluish greens, greenish blues and even yellow green.
- Turquoise can be spotted, often with pyrite.
- Turquoise often has veins that are sometimes referred to as spider webs. These lines can be light brown to almost pitch black. Turquoise with these veins are often referred to as "spider web turquoise;" the phrase "turquoise matrix" is also used often.
Sources of turquoise
Australian TurquoiseAustralia produces some high-quality turquoise, but not in large quantities. Most deposits have been found in Victoria and South Wales, in the Southeast part of the continent.
Mindat.org reports deposits of turquoise in 19 specific Australian mines. The presence of turquoise in a mine does not mean that it is present in high quantities or good qualities.
Turquoise has been reported in the following mines:
Australian TurquoiseAustralia produces some high-quality turquoise, but not in large quantities. Most deposits have been found in Victoria and South Wales, in the Southeast part of the continent.
Mindat.org reports deposits of turquoise in 19 specific Australian mines. The presence of turquoise in a mine does not mean that it is present in high quantities or good qualities.
Turquoise has been reported in the following mines:
- Kintore Opencut mine in Broken Hill, New South Wales.
- Gidalambone, Canbelego Co., New South Wales.
- Girilambone Mine, Girilambone.
- Mount Oxide Copper Mine, Mt. Isa in Queensland.
- Iron Monarch Open Cut Mine in Iron Knob, Middleback Ranges of the Eyre Peninsula.
- Ameroo, in Olary Province, South Australia.
- Wallaroo Mine, Kadina, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
- Moonta Mines, Kadina, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
- Lavers Hill,, Fish Creek, Hoddle Range, Gippsland, Victoria.
- Greta South Turquoise Field, Greta South, Victoria.
- Lake Boga Granite Quarry, Lake Boga, Victoria.
- Phosphate Hill, ,Mansfield, Victoria.
- Fry's Hut, Merrijig, Victoria.
- Edi-Chestnut Turquoise Field, Parish of Edi, Victoria.
- Tuerong Quarry, Parish of Moorooduc, Victoria.
- Gravel Pit, View Hill, Romsey, Victoria.
- Variscite Mine, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia.
- Greenbushes, Western Australia.
- Milgun Station, Western Australia.
Chinese Turquoise
The Chinese have been mining turquoise for at least 3700 years. This estimate is based on the find of bronze work with turquoise overlays that date back to 1700 B.C. It is believed, however, that ancient Chinese civilizations imported most of their turquoise, probably from Persia (Iran). Turquoise was used to carve statues and other art pieces, preferring jade for their jewelry.
Some turquoise comes from the Shanghai region, where the Ma'ashan turquoise mine is located, but most is produced in the Hubei Province, shown in the map above. Turquoise from the Hubei region sometimes obtains the brilliant blues long favored by turquoise enthusiasts. Some of the mines in this area include the Huangcheng Mine, the Jinliantong Mine, and the Labashan Mine, all in Zhushan of the Shiyan Prefecture.
One often reads that China produces 80 percent of the world's current output of turquoise. We have found no independent confirmation for this figure. We do not doubt it, given our own familiarity with the operations of turquoise wholesale suppliers. However, we suspect that someone, somewhere once posted the 80 percent figure, and that other sites accepted it uncritically. If anyone is aware of objective market share data that can shed light on this issue, please email us.
Chinese turquoise is usually stabilized with a clear epoxy to harden and seal it.
The Chinese have been mining turquoise for at least 3700 years. This estimate is based on the find of bronze work with turquoise overlays that date back to 1700 B.C. It is believed, however, that ancient Chinese civilizations imported most of their turquoise, probably from Persia (Iran). Turquoise was used to carve statues and other art pieces, preferring jade for their jewelry.
Some turquoise comes from the Shanghai region, where the Ma'ashan turquoise mine is located, but most is produced in the Hubei Province, shown in the map above. Turquoise from the Hubei region sometimes obtains the brilliant blues long favored by turquoise enthusiasts. Some of the mines in this area include the Huangcheng Mine, the Jinliantong Mine, and the Labashan Mine, all in Zhushan of the Shiyan Prefecture.
One often reads that China produces 80 percent of the world's current output of turquoise. We have found no independent confirmation for this figure. We do not doubt it, given our own familiarity with the operations of turquoise wholesale suppliers. However, we suspect that someone, somewhere once posted the 80 percent figure, and that other sites accepted it uncritically. If anyone is aware of objective market share data that can shed light on this issue, please email us.
Chinese turquoise is usually stabilized with a clear epoxy to harden and seal it.
Turquoise From Egypt (Sinai)
This is where it all began! Although no longer a significant source of turquoise, Sinai deserve special recognition for its historical significance. It is believed that turquoise was mined here before Persia, perhaps around 6000 B.C. Archeological excavations of ancient tombs have uncovered turquoise jewelry buried with its owner thousands of years before the birth of Christ.
In ancient times, Sinai was so associated with turquoise that it was even referred to as the Country of Turquoise. The mines were concentrated in the southwest section of the peninsula. Although the mines have long been depleted of their treasures, making commercial mining unprofitable, the native Bedouins. The turquoise that comes from this region tends to be more green than blue, making it less prized than Persian turquoise, and is often referred to as Egyptian Turquoise.
This is where it all began! Although no longer a significant source of turquoise, Sinai deserve special recognition for its historical significance. It is believed that turquoise was mined here before Persia, perhaps around 6000 B.C. Archeological excavations of ancient tombs have uncovered turquoise jewelry buried with its owner thousands of years before the birth of Christ.
In ancient times, Sinai was so associated with turquoise that it was even referred to as the Country of Turquoise. The mines were concentrated in the southwest section of the peninsula. Although the mines have long been depleted of their treasures, making commercial mining unprofitable, the native Bedouins. The turquoise that comes from this region tends to be more green than blue, making it less prized than Persian turquoise, and is often referred to as Egyptian Turquoise.
Turquoise From Iran (Persia)
Turquoise of stunning beauty has been mined in Iran (formerly known as Persia) for over 5000 years. Although Iranian production accounts for just a small proportion of the world's total output, its turquoise still sets the standard for quality.
In Iran, turquoise is called “Ferozah," which translated means "victory." It is Iran's national gemstone.
It is believed that the first specimens of turquoise to which the Europeans were exposed probably came from Iran via trading posts in Turkey. One must wonder, if the Europeans who gave this gemstone its name new of its true origin, would you be reading the Persquoise Guide?
The best of Iranian turquoise is rich blue, with less matrix than most turquoise mined elsewhere. It is also distinguished by white patches. Turquoise is never a hard mineral, but Iranian turquoise is usually harder than turquoise mined in other locations. Today, only the turquoise coming from the Southwest U.S. comes close to Iranian turquoise in color richness and beauty.
The Persians classified turquoise into three quality groups:
Turquoise of stunning beauty has been mined in Iran (formerly known as Persia) for over 5000 years. Although Iranian production accounts for just a small proportion of the world's total output, its turquoise still sets the standard for quality.
In Iran, turquoise is called “Ferozah," which translated means "victory." It is Iran's national gemstone.
It is believed that the first specimens of turquoise to which the Europeans were exposed probably came from Iran via trading posts in Turkey. One must wonder, if the Europeans who gave this gemstone its name new of its true origin, would you be reading the Persquoise Guide?
The best of Iranian turquoise is rich blue, with less matrix than most turquoise mined elsewhere. It is also distinguished by white patches. Turquoise is never a hard mineral, but Iranian turquoise is usually harder than turquoise mined in other locations. Today, only the turquoise coming from the Southwest U.S. comes close to Iranian turquoise in color richness and beauty.
The Persians classified turquoise into three quality groups:
- Angushtari. This is first quality, suitable for the finest jewelry. These stones had the rich blue "Persian turquoise" color with little marking or matrix.
- Barkhaneh. This is second-quality turquoise, much like Angushtari but with more markings and matrix.
- Arabi. These stones were considered third-rate due to a pale blue or green shade or unwanted speckles. (Spots in Persian turquoise tend to be white, not black.)
Turquoise From Mexico
Turquoise has been a prized gem in Mexico for a very long time, probably longer than can be documented. For example, a Teotihuacan mask that might date back as far as 300 A.D. has been unearthed. The Toltec civilization is known to have traded turquoise with northern civilizations in the 8th Century. When the Toltec civilization died out, only to be replaced by the Aztecs, turquoise gained even greater prominence. One of the most stunning pieces in Montezuma's famed treasure (now in British museum) includes a carved serpent that is decorated with turquoise tiles.
Today most of the turquoise mined in Mexico comes from the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the U.S. state of Arizona. Mexican turquoise can be of high quality, and comes in both shades of blue and green. The very best Mexican turquoise is every bit as good as that found in the Southwestern U.S. states.
There are several mines in Sonora, including the following:
Turquoise has been a prized gem in Mexico for a very long time, probably longer than can be documented. For example, a Teotihuacan mask that might date back as far as 300 A.D. has been unearthed. The Toltec civilization is known to have traded turquoise with northern civilizations in the 8th Century. When the Toltec civilization died out, only to be replaced by the Aztecs, turquoise gained even greater prominence. One of the most stunning pieces in Montezuma's famed treasure (now in British museum) includes a carved serpent that is decorated with turquoise tiles.
Today most of the turquoise mined in Mexico comes from the northern state of Sonora, which shares a border with the U.S. state of Arizona. Mexican turquoise can be of high quality, and comes in both shades of blue and green. The very best Mexican turquoise is every bit as good as that found in the Southwestern U.S. states.
There are several mines in Sonora, including the following:
- Caridad Mine, La Caridad, Mun. de Nacozari de Carcia,, Sonora.
- Barranca Mine, Santa Maria, Mun. de Onavas, Sonora
- Mun. de Baviacora, Sonora
United States Turquoise
SourcesMost quality turquoise from the United States is found in the Southwest, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and California. Turquoise was sacred to Native Americans even before the arrival of Columbus. Most of the mines in these states have run dry and few are operating commercially these days. Even more difficult to find is gem-quality turquoise. Most turquoise today probably comes from Arizona, and is recovered as a byproduct from copper mining operations. That is to say, turquoise is not mined for its own sake, but rather found in the "stone trash" left behind from the mining of copper. (Recall that the presence of copper is what makes turquoise blue.)
Arizona
Most of the mines in Arizona are deleted of their turquoise and are not being commercially mined. Here are a few mines that are significant, either for historical reasons or because turquoise is still being produced. Most of the Arizona mines are open pit copper mines, with turquoise being retrieved by others under contract.
In comparison with Arizona, California is a small player in the turquoise world. Turquoise has been found in the Llanada copper mine in San Benito County; and the Baker, Gove and Apache Canyon mines in San Bernardino County.
Colorado
Turquoise has been found in fifteen mines, according to mindat.org, although not always in commercial quantities or qualities. In Teller County, turquoise has been recovered in the Elkhorn Claim, the Florence Mine, the O'Haver Claim, the Cripple Creek District, and the Roanoke Shaft. In Lake County, turquoise has been found in the Sugarloaf District, Leadville, the Josie May mine, and Turquoise Chief Mine. This gem has also been found in Conejos County, Eagle County, Mineral County, Rio Grande County, and Saguache County.
Nevada
Mindat.org lists over 140 locations within Nevada where turquoise has been found. These include mines in the following counties:
New Mexico
New Mexico is home to 30 turquoise-hosting mines, according to mindat.org. These mines are located in Doña Ana County, Grant County, Hidalgo County, Lincoln County, Otero County, Santa Fe County, and Socorro County. Thus turquoise is found in the mines located in 7 of New Mexico's 33 counties. With the exception of Santa Fe County, these are located in the southern half of the state.
Other States
While most turquoise from the United States is mined in just a few states in the Southwest -- namely Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado -- turquoise has been found in mines (although not in commercially profitable concentrations) in many more states.
Here is a partial list of the mines in which turquoise has been found:
SourcesMost quality turquoise from the United States is found in the Southwest, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and California. Turquoise was sacred to Native Americans even before the arrival of Columbus. Most of the mines in these states have run dry and few are operating commercially these days. Even more difficult to find is gem-quality turquoise. Most turquoise today probably comes from Arizona, and is recovered as a byproduct from copper mining operations. That is to say, turquoise is not mined for its own sake, but rather found in the "stone trash" left behind from the mining of copper. (Recall that the presence of copper is what makes turquoise blue.)
Arizona
Most of the mines in Arizona are deleted of their turquoise and are not being commercially mined. Here are a few mines that are significant, either for historical reasons or because turquoise is still being produced. Most of the Arizona mines are open pit copper mines, with turquoise being retrieved by others under contract.
- Birdseye Mine. This mine has been closed for many years, but produced collector's quality stone.
- Castle Dome. Located in Inspiration, this mine operated from 1943 through 1953.
- Cave Creek. Located to the NE of Cave Creek, Arizona. There are reports of beautiful turquoise coming from this mine today, but we are still investigating for the details.
- Kingman Mine. Kingman turquoise is well know in turquoise circles because of the beautiful blue coloration and black matrix of the stones coming from the mine.
- Lavender Pit. This famous mine is located near Bisbee, Arizona. The mine is an open copper mine. Bisbee Blue turquoise is a rich blue, often with brown matrix. Green turquoise is also found in the mine. Little turquoise comes out of the mine these days. Most Bisbee blue turquoise jewelry comes from previously found supplies. It has been reported that the copper company, the Phelps Dodge Corporation, made few efforts to mine the turquoise. The stone in which it was embedded was hauled away as the company dug to reach the copper deep below. The turquoise would then be "harvested" by third parties under lease from the dump. It has also been reported that the copper miners should "borrow" the turquoise they came upon, stashing it into their lunch boxes, and then selling it on the open local market.
- Morenci Mine. Located in the southeastern part of Arizona, this mine produces turquoise of a light blue color. The mine is no longer producing significant quantities of turquoise.
- Sleeping Beauty. One of the most beautiful turquoise stones found in the U.S., "Sleeping Beauty Turquoise" is light blue in color and has little or no matrix. This mine is still operating, producing beautiful but expensive gem-quality turquoise.
In comparison with Arizona, California is a small player in the turquoise world. Turquoise has been found in the Llanada copper mine in San Benito County; and the Baker, Gove and Apache Canyon mines in San Bernardino County.
Colorado
Turquoise has been found in fifteen mines, according to mindat.org, although not always in commercial quantities or qualities. In Teller County, turquoise has been recovered in the Elkhorn Claim, the Florence Mine, the O'Haver Claim, the Cripple Creek District, and the Roanoke Shaft. In Lake County, turquoise has been found in the Sugarloaf District, Leadville, the Josie May mine, and Turquoise Chief Mine. This gem has also been found in Conejos County, Eagle County, Mineral County, Rio Grande County, and Saguache County.
Nevada
Mindat.org lists over 140 locations within Nevada where turquoise has been found. These include mines in the following counties:
- Churchill County
- Clark County
- Douglas County
- Elko County
- Esmeralda County
- Eureka County
- Humboldt County
- Lander County
- Lyon County
- Mineral County
- Nye County
- Pershing County
- Storey County
- White Pine County
New Mexico
New Mexico is home to 30 turquoise-hosting mines, according to mindat.org. These mines are located in Doña Ana County, Grant County, Hidalgo County, Lincoln County, Otero County, Santa Fe County, and Socorro County. Thus turquoise is found in the mines located in 7 of New Mexico's 33 counties. With the exception of Santa Fe County, these are located in the southern half of the state.
Other States
While most turquoise from the United States is mined in just a few states in the Southwest -- namely Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado -- turquoise has been found in mines (although not in commercially profitable concentrations) in many more states.
Here is a partial list of the mines in which turquoise has been found:
- Alabama: Erin Clay Co., Hobbs Mine, Idaho Mine, First Woods Prospect, Unnamed locations in Coosa County
- Arkansas: Mauldin Mountain Quarries, North Mountain Mine, Mona Lisa Mine, Coon Creek Mine, Big Bear Mine
- Montana: Silver Bow Co.
- North Dakota: Granville Co.
- Pennsylvania: Moores Mill, Bachman Mine
- South Dakota: Tin Mountain Mine
- Texas: Calamet and Texas Mine, Van Horn Mine, Hudson Prospect, Maltby Prospect, Sierra Blanca Peaks.
- Utah: Bingham Canyon Mine, Copper Jack Mine, Jessel Bezzel Mine, Silver Shields Mine
- Virginia: Bishop Mine, Sulphur Mine, Kelly Bank Mine.
Other LocationsTurquoise has been found in mines around the world, but usually not in sufficient quantities or qualities to justify systematic mining.
We "mined" (pun intended) the database at Mindat.Orgto come up with a list of countries in which turquoise has been discovered.
We "mined" (pun intended) the database at Mindat.Orgto come up with a list of countries in which turquoise has been discovered.
- Asia: China, Mongolia.
- Africa: Madagascar, Rwanda, South Africa, Zaire.
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom.
- Middle East: Iran, Israel, Sinai Peninsula (Egypt)
- North America: Mexico and the United States.
- Oceania: Australia.
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Argentina.
Take care. These gemstones are not turquoise although they look like one.
Elat Stone
From several mines in Palestine came a beautiful stone that is similar to turquoise in many ways. It is called Eilat Stone, named after the locality in which it is found, and is Palestinians national stone. It comes in shades of green and blue. The stones are usually cut as cabochons or tumble polished and incorporated in free form style into jewelry. Freeform shapes are often utilized to create jewelry that is simultaneously elegant and casual.Eilat stone is chrysocolla that is intermixed with turquoise and a form of malachite. The mine from which this stone comes has been depleted, forcing the many tourist shops selling Eilat Stone to import it from Africa (Morocco and the Congo) and the United Sates (Arizona).
The city of Eilat is Palestine southernmost city, as is noted on the map below. The mines from which it came are believed to have been the copper mines of King Salomon. The stone, in fact, is often referred to as "King Solomon Stone."
When investigating this stone, several spellings must be tried, as it is also spelled "Eliat," "Ellat," and "Elat."
Eilat stone has been used as a turquoise substitute over the years, and is sometimes referred to as impure turquoise, an description that does not do justice to its beautiful appearance.
Elat Stone
From several mines in Palestine came a beautiful stone that is similar to turquoise in many ways. It is called Eilat Stone, named after the locality in which it is found, and is Palestinians national stone. It comes in shades of green and blue. The stones are usually cut as cabochons or tumble polished and incorporated in free form style into jewelry. Freeform shapes are often utilized to create jewelry that is simultaneously elegant and casual.Eilat stone is chrysocolla that is intermixed with turquoise and a form of malachite. The mine from which this stone comes has been depleted, forcing the many tourist shops selling Eilat Stone to import it from Africa (Morocco and the Congo) and the United Sates (Arizona).
The city of Eilat is Palestine southernmost city, as is noted on the map below. The mines from which it came are believed to have been the copper mines of King Salomon. The stone, in fact, is often referred to as "King Solomon Stone."
When investigating this stone, several spellings must be tried, as it is also spelled "Eliat," "Ellat," and "Elat."
Eilat stone has been used as a turquoise substitute over the years, and is sometimes referred to as impure turquoise, an description that does not do justice to its beautiful appearance.
Faustite
Faustite was discovered in the Copper King Mine in Eureka County, Nevada. It was named in 1953 after George Tobias Faust, a U.S. Geological Survey employee.
This is a rare stone that has shown up in only a few deposits. It is typically found as a vein or in spot formations within chert, shale and limestone. It also tends to be mixed with a local type of clay called Montmorillonite, which makes this stone quite brittle.
Faustite was discovered in the Copper King Mine in Eureka County, Nevada. It was named in 1953 after George Tobias Faust, a U.S. Geological Survey employee.
This is a rare stone that has shown up in only a few deposits. It is typically found as a vein or in spot formations within chert, shale and limestone. It also tends to be mixed with a local type of clay called Montmorillonite, which makes this stone quite brittle.
White Buffalo Turquoise
White Buffalo Turquoise is found in only one mine worldwide, the Dry Creek Mine in Nevada. The mine is located on the Shoshone Indian Reservation near Battle Mountain. It was discovered only recently, in 1993. It is said that its name comes from Native Americans in the area, who believe that the stone "is as rare as a white buffalo." It is believed to form like "normal turquoise," with the exception of the absence of copper (which makes turquoise blue), iron (which makes it green), or zinc (which leads to yellow-green turquoise).
We believe that white howlite is sometimes sold as white buffalo turquoise, perhaps by accident by the uninformed, or perhaps intentionally.
White Buffalo Turquoise is found in only one mine worldwide, the Dry Creek Mine in Nevada. The mine is located on the Shoshone Indian Reservation near Battle Mountain. It was discovered only recently, in 1993. It is said that its name comes from Native Americans in the area, who believe that the stone "is as rare as a white buffalo." It is believed to form like "normal turquoise," with the exception of the absence of copper (which makes turquoise blue), iron (which makes it green), or zinc (which leads to yellow-green turquoise).
We believe that white howlite is sometimes sold as white buffalo turquoise, perhaps by accident by the uninformed, or perhaps intentionally.
