Carico Lake Turquoise: Nevada's Mine of Extraordinary Color
- Santa Fe Sun Handmade
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Among America's most fascinating turquoise mines, few can match the remarkable color range and history of Nevada's Carico Lake Mine. Nestled in the rugged high desert of Lander County, Carico Lake has produced some of the most distinctive turquoise ever discovered, earning a devoted following among collectors, lapidaries, and Native American silversmiths alike.
What makes Carico Lake truly unique is that no single color defines it. While many turquoise mines are known for producing a consistent shade, Carico Lake is famous for its incredible spectrum of colors, from bright sky blue to vivid apple green and nearly every shade in between.
A History Rooted in Nevada Mining
Turquoise was discovered in the Carico Lake area during the early 1900s. One of the mine's earliest and most recognized operators was Austrian-born prospector Gus Stennich, who helped establish Carico Lake as a source of quality American turquoise.
Throughout the mid-20th century, the mine saw periods of active production as turquoise jewelry gained popularity across the Southwest. Like many turquoise mines, however, Carico Lake did not operate continuously. Production ebbed and flowed based on market demand, ownership changes, and the practical realities of mining in a remote desert environment.
Over the years, portions of the mine sat dormant or produced only limited amounts of turquoise. Eventually, the property was acquired by Ernie Montoya, who invested in preserving and revitalizing the mine. Under his stewardship, Carico Lake once again became an important source of American turquoise, allowing new generations of artists and collectors to appreciate its remarkable beauty.
A Note on the Mine's History
Unlike large commercial mining operations, turquoise mines rarely follow a simple timeline of opening, operating continuously, and then closing permanently. Carico Lake is no exception.
Throughout its history, the mine has experienced periods of active production, reduced activity, and dormancy as ownership changed and market demand shifted. Because turquoise mining is often conducted on a smaller scale than precious metal mining, exact dates for closures and reopenings are not always clearly documented.
What is known is that Carico Lake has remained one of Nevada's most respected turquoise sources for generations, and renewed investment by later owners, including Ernie Montoya, helped bring attention back to this remarkable deposit and preserve its legacy for future collectors and artisans.
The Colors of Carico Lake
The color range found at Carico Lake is unlike that of almost any other turquoise mine in North America.
Electric Green
Perhaps the most famous Carico Lake material is its vibrant lime-green turquoise. These striking stones owe their unusual coloration to the mineral composition of the deposit and are highly sought after by collectors. Their bright, almost glowing appearance stands out immediately in Southwestern jewelry.
Sky Blue and Robin's Egg Blue
Carico Lake has also produced beautiful shades of blue turquoise, ranging from soft robin's egg blue to deeper aqua tones. These stones embody the classic turquoise color many collectors associate with traditional Southwestern jewelry.
Blue-Green and Teal
Some of the mine's most desirable material combines blue and green hues within the same stone. These transitional colors create an organic, natural appearance that feels almost painterly, ensuring that no two cabochons are exactly alike.
Spiderweb Matrix
Many Carico Lake stones feature intricate matrix patterns running throughout the turquoise. Black, brown, golden, or tan webbing can create dramatic contrasts against the vibrant colors, giving each stone its own distinct personality.
Why Collectors Love Carico Lake
Collectors value Carico Lake turquoise not only for its beauty but also for its rarity. Mining turquoise is never a limitless endeavor. Each year fewer high-grade deposits remain available, making quality American turquoise increasingly difficult to obtain.
Carico Lake's combination of vivid color, attractive matrix patterns, and limited production has secured its place among the most respected turquoise sources in the American Southwest. Whether set into a bold statement cuff, a classic pendant, or a pair of handcrafted earrings, Carico Lake turquoise carries with it a story that began millions of years ago beneath the Nevada desert.
Its remarkable range of colors serves as a reminder that nature rarely works from a single palette. Sometimes, the most beautiful treasures are the ones that refuse to fit neatly into a single shade.
