Unearthing the Secrets of the Southwest Turquoise Mines: Value and Legacy Revealed

The Southwest region of the United States is famed for its stunning landscapes and colorful cultural heritage. Among these treasures, turquoise stands out as a vibrant blue-green gemstone adored by artisans and collectors alike. For centuries, this remarkable stone has found its way into jewelry and artifacts, reflecting the region's history and traditions. In this blog post, we will uncover both currently operating and closed turquoise mines, discuss what drives the value of turquoise, and highlight the most sought-after varieties.

The Rich History of Turquoise Mining in the Southwest

Turquoise mining in the Southwest has roots that stretch back thousands of years. The earliest known users of turquoise were the Ancestral Puebloans, who mined in present-day New Mexico and Arizona. They believed turquoise had spiritual powers, incorporating it into various ceremonial items and seasonal jewelry.

As demand increased over time, many mines emerged across the region. Today, turquoise continues to be mined in several locations, each producing stones with unique qualities. Some mines, however, have played out and subsequently closed. For example, the Sleeping Beauty Mine known for it's iconic sky-blue stones, closed in 2012 leaving the remaining stones to be highly sought after today. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of turquoise mining.

Notable Operating Turquoise Mines

Carico Lake Mine

Located in Nevada, the Carico Lake Mine is known for its stunning green turquoise. Though it originally ceased operations in the 1970s, it was purchased by Ernie Montoya of Albuquerque, NM and eventually reopended. Carico Lake turquoise is characterized by its rich green colors and distinctive patterns, making it a sought-after gemstone, often priced at similar levels to Blue Gem.

Kingman Mine

Located in Mohave County, Arizona, the Kingman Mine has been operational since the late 1800s. This mine is distinguished by its vibrant blue stones that feature a unique matrix. Kingman turquoise is highly valued, often selling for $30 to $50 per carat, especially because of its durable and rich hues, making it a staple among jewelers and collectors.

Royston Mine

The Royston Mine, located in Nevada, is celebrated for producing a stunning variety of turquoise, ranging from deep blue to vibrant green, often with intricate matrix patterns. Many pieces from this mine fetch between $40 to $100 per carat in high-end jewelry settings. Royston turquoise is not just sought after for its quality; its limited availability adds to its allure.

Closed Turquoise Mines and Their Legacy

While many turquoise mines are still active, several have closed, leaving a history rich with stories and beautiful stones.

Sleeping Beauty Mine

The Sleeping Beauty Mine, nestled in Globe, Arizona, is one of the world's most iconic turquoise mines. Known for its vivid sky-blue stones, this mine had been a source of high-quality turquoise since the 1970s. It produced a few hundred pounds of turquoise each year until it's closing in 2012. For context, now in high-demand due to finite supply, prices for Sleeping Beauty turquoise can reach up to 30 percent higher than similar stones from other mines.

Blue Gem Mine

The Blue Gem Mine, situated near Battle Mountain in Nevada, produced striking blue turquoise until it closed in the 1970s. Despite its closure, Blue Gem turquoise remains in high demand and can sell for over $200 per carat due to its beautiful color and rarity. Collectors search for this turquoise, understanding it as a piece of mining history.

The Lavender Pit

The Lavender Pit, the primary source of Bisbee turquoise, was opened in the early 1950s and closed in 1974. Early mining efforts involved tunnel mining, but the turquoise was primarily discovered in the Glance Conglomerate when the Lavender Pit was opened.  Due to the closure of the mine and the discarding of turquoise-rich material during early copper mining, high-grade Bisbee turquoise is now rare and valuable. 

Factors Influencing the Value of Turquoise

Several factors determine the value of turquoise. Understanding these elements is key for collectors and enthusiasts.

Color

Color is arguably the most important factor in assessing turquoise's value. The deepest blues and vibrant greens are the most sought after. Uniform, consistent shades tend to attract higher prices. For example, a high-quality Kingman turquoise stone can see prices soar due to its perfect blue hue.

Matrix

The matrix refers to the patterns and veining within the turquoise. Some collectors prefer stones with little to no matrix, while others appreciate unique designs that enhance the stone's charm. For instance, a stone from the Royston Mine with intricate matrix may fetch a premium price simply due to its eye-catching pattern.

Rarity

Rarity significantly influences value. Stones from closed mines like Blue Gem and Carico Lake are often worth more due to their limited availability. For instance, pieces from these closed locations can fetch anywhere from 50% to 100% more than stones from active mines.

Quality

Quality affects price too, including durability and hardness. High-quality stones are less prone to chipping, making them especially desirable for jewelry. This durability can add to their value.

Discovering the Legacy of Turquoise Mines

The turquoise mines of the Southwest are rich in history and continue to enchant those who appreciate this captivating stone. From the active mines like Carico Lake and Kingman to the historical legacies of Blue Gem and Sleeping Beauty, each location contributes to the overall culture surrounding turquoise. Grasping the elements that influence turquoise's value and recognizing the most prized varieties can deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary gemstone. Whether you are collecting, crafting, or simply admiring, the charm of the Southwest's turquoise mines remains timeless and fascinating.