Example Pictures are not necessarily the
highest of grade, rather a good example of a common look from a particular
mine.
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Bisbee Turquoise
The Bisbee mine "the Lavender Pit", near Bisbee, Arizona, is one of
the more famous of the American mines because Bisbee turquoise (also
known as "Bisbee Blue" registered name) was one of the first put onto
the market. The turquoise mine is part of the Bisbee copper mine (The
Copper Queen), the main operation of the site. Bisbee turquoise has
developed a reputation as a hard, finely webbed or dendrite, high
blue stone, known for its "chocolate brown" matrix. Bisbee Turquoise
also comes in a beautiful dark green color. Most of this turquoise
has already been mined and what is left is in limbo due to circumstances
with the copper mining in the open pit, it is one of the most highly
collected stones. Most jewelry being made with this stone today is
being made via the orders of the current owners of the mine, the rest
(such as ours, which is all hand cut and mounted by Durango Silver
Co.) is found through old "stashes" or collections that have been
obtained.
Cabochons
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Castle Dome
Most of Arizona’s turquoise mines are actually large open pit
copper mines that the turquoise deposits are leased .The company
or person with the lease is called in to mine the turquoise when
they hit a pocket of it as they are copper minnig. This is a mine
that was very active back in the 1970’s. Being in Albuquerque
in the turquoise business in the 1970’s was very interesting,
lots of stone! We bought turquoise from people that would show up
at our shop, we would buy it out of their trunks of cars, pick up
truck beds, hoods of cars in parking lots.
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Ithaca Peak
The Ithaca Peak mine is located in northwestern Arizona above the
Kingman mine. The Ithaca Peak mine is famous for its beautiful blue
with pyrite matrix. This material is outstanding. It is owned and
operated by the Colbaugh's. It is fairly rare to get good Ithaca
Peak as main production is focused on Turquoise Mountain. When you
do get good Ithaca Peak it is very pricey!
Cabochons
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Rings
More Ithaca Peak Turquoise Information
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Kingman
The Kingman mine in northwestern Arizona was one of the largest
turquoise mines in North America. The terms "Kingman" or "high blue"
refer to the blue color usually displayed in this stone. It has
become a color standard in the industry. The mine became famous
for its rounded, bright blue nuggets with black matrix. Few turquoise
mines produced nuggets, especially of this quality. Old natural
Kingman Turquoise is rare. The Colbaugh's own this mine and the
Turquoise Mountain mine, their company name is Colbough Processing.
They have recently gone back into the section of the Kingman mine
and are digging and bringing our some new Natural Kingman Turquoise.
Cabochons
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More Kingman Turquoise Information
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Morenci
Morenci Turquoise is mined in southeastern Arizona. It is high to
light blue in color. Morenci has an unusual matrix of irregular black
pyrite that, when polished, often looks like silver. Morenci turquoise
is well known because it was one of the first American turquoises
to come on the market. It is very difficult to obtain now because
the mine is depleted. It is a collectible turquoise.
Bracelets
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Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty mine is located near Globe, Arizona. Its turquoise
is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. Sleeping
Beauty turquoise is the favorite of the Zuni Pueblo silversmiths for
use in petit point, needlepoint, and inlay jewelry. This mine is one
of the largest in North America and is still operating.
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Turquoise Mountain and "Birdseye"
Turquoise Mountain and "Birdseye" turquoise come from the same mine
in northwestern Arizona near the Kingman mine. The mine was closed
in the 1980s. It is light to high blue, with both webbed and non-webbed
matrix. "Birdseye" describes stones from this mine that show areas
of light blue circled with dark blue matrix, resembling the eye of
a bird. It is a beautiful addition to one's collection.
Cabochons
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Rings | Ladies
Rings
More Turquoise Mtn.
Information
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Cave Creek
The Cave Creek Mine is a new mining operation, run by a father
and son outside of Cave Creek, Arizona. The material we have seen so far
is very beautiful. It is medium to dark blue in color and has an "old
Kingman" or Morenci look to it, alot of times with pyrite in it. Awesome
stuff! Can't wait to see more of this material.
Example Pictures are not necessarily the
highest of grade, rather a good example of a common look from a particular
mine.
I will continue to add to this list and eventually attempt
to have a listing of all turquoise mines that have existed in Arizona. I
need your help! If you know of another legitimate mining operation or old
mine claim in Arizona, contact me at: durangodillon@gmail.com
Turquoise
Mine List | Grades
& Quality | Healing Beliefs
| Physical Properties
| Spiritual Beliefs | Symbolism
| USGS History | General
Information | Other Gemstones
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Contact Information:
17897 Hwy 160 W
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: 970.375.2401
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