The Rarest Turquoise Mines You Should Know About and Their Unique Charms

Turquoise has fascinated collectors and jewelry lovers for centuries. Its captivating colors and unique patterns make it one of the most sought-after gemstones. Yet, not all turquoise is created equal. Some mines produce stones so rare and valuable that they become legends in the gem world. This post explores the top 10 most valuable turquoise mines, ranked by rarity, quality, closure status, and collector demand. Discover what makes each mine’s turquoise special and why these stones command such high prices.

1. Lander Blue (Nevada) – The Most Valuable Turquoise on Earth

Lander Blue turquoise stands apart for its extraordinary rarity and beauty. The mine produced only about 110 pounds of turquoise in total, making it incredibly scarce. Its signature feature is the tightest, most dramatic black spiderweb matrix ever found, which creates a striking contrast with the deep blue color.

• Color and Look: Deep blue with impossibly tight jet-black webbing

• Value: Stones routinely sell for $500 to $5,000 per carat

• Status: Closed since the 1970s, with only microscopic production since then

  
  

Collectors prize Lander Blue for its intense color and unique matrix, making it the most valuable turquoise on earth.

2. Number Eight (Nevada)

Number Eight turquoise is famous for its golden-brown spiderweb matrix, which sets it apart visually. The mine closed in1976, so old stock is extremely scarce. This scarcity, combined with its beautiful patterns, drives strong demand.

• Color and Look: Light to medium blue or green with striking web patterns

• Value: High-end cabochons can sell for $300 to $1,500 or more each

  
  

Number Eight turquoise is a favorite among collectors who appreciate its warm matrix tones and rarity.

3. Bisbee (Arizona)

Bisbee turquoise is legendary for its electric blue color and smoky brown "chocolate matrix." The mine closed in the 1970s, and its stones are highly collectible today. Large natural Bisbee stones, especially when mounted, often exceed $1,000 to $5,000 in value.

• Color and Look: Electric blue with smoky brown matrix

• Value: Large stones can reach $1,000 to $5,000+ when mounted

  
  

Bisbee turquoise’s unique color and matrix make it instantly recognizable and prized by collectors and jewelers alike.

4. Lone Mountain (Nevada)

Lone Mountain turquoise is known for its consistent quality and hardness without stabilization. It features tight spiderweb patterns and perfect cabochons, making it popular in high-end Navajo jewelry.

• Color and Look: Medium to dark blue with black or brown webbing

• Value: Top stones sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars

  
  

Collectors and artisans value Lone Mountain turquoise for its durability and classic appearance.

5. Red Mountain (Nevada)

Red Mountain turquoise stands out for its red-brown spiderweb matrix, which is rare and visually striking. The mine is small with very limited production, making its stones highly desirable, especially among master silversmiths.

• Color and Look: Vibrant blue with coppery or reddish webbing

• Value: High-grade stones can reach $400 to $2,000

  
  

Red Mountain turquoise offers a bold look that complements silverwork beautifully.

6. Carico Lake (Nevada)

Carico Lake turquoise is prized for its rare mint-to-lime-green shades, colors that are extremely uncommon in turquoise. The mine’s limited production and the scarcity of natural green turquoise add to its value.

• Color and Look: Lime, apple green, yellow-green, sometimes blue

• Value: Fine green cabochons sell for $200 to $1,500+ depending on size

  
  

Collectors treasure Carico Lake turquoise for its unusual and vibrant green hues.

7. Blue Gem (Nevada)

Blue Gem turquoise is known for its exceptional hardness and high grade. Blue Gem Turquoise is among the most collectible and highly valued turquoises to be found as the mine has been closed down since around 1980. It produced stones with excellent durability and color, making it a favorite among jewelers who want lasting quality.

• Color and Look: Bright to medium blue, often with subtle matrix

• Value: Prices vary but top-quality stones command premium prices

  
  

Blue Gem turquoise combines beauty and toughness, ideal for fine jewelry.

8. Royston (Nevada)

Royston turquoise is recognized for its soft blue to green colors and distinctive spiderweb matrix. The mine has very limited production, increasing the rarity of its stones.

• Color and Look: Soft blue to green with black or brown webbing

• Value: High-quality pieces can fetch several hundred dollars per carat

  
  

Royston turquoise is appreciated for its gentle colors and classic matrix patterns.

9. Sleeping Beauty (Arizona)

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is famous for its pure sky-blue color and almost matrix-free appearance. The mine closed in 2012, making existing stones more valuable.

• Color and Look: Pure sky blue, almost no matrix

• Value: High-quality stones can reach $100 to $500 per carat

  
  

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for its clean, bright color and smooth texture.

Each of these turquoise mines offers something unique, whether it’s a rare color, a distinctive matrix, or extreme scarcity. Collectors and jewelers seek these stones not only for their beauty but also for their stories and origins. Understanding the differences between these mines helps appreciate why some turquoise commands such high prices and why certain stones become treasured heirlooms.