Turquoise Mines in Arizona: Where to Find the Finest Blue and Green Turquoise
Updated: 17 hours ago
Arizona is famous for producing some of the most beautiful turquoise in the world. From the rich blue hues of Kingman turquoise to the rare and highly sought-after stones of the Bisbee mine, Arizona has been at the heart of turquoise mining for centuries. Whether you’re a passionate collector, a jewelry maker, or someone who simply admires this stunning gemstone, Arizona’s turquoise mines offer unique opportunities to explore, discover, and even purchase some of the highest-quality turquoise on the market. In this guide, we’ll explore the top turquoise mines in Arizona, the unique characteristics of each, and tips for sourcing authentic Arizona turquoise.
Top Turquoise Mines in Arizona
Arizona is home to some of the most iconic turquoise mines in the world. Each mine produces its own unique variation of turquoise, making these stones highly coveted by collectors and jewelers alike.
1. Kingman Turquoise Mine (Mohave County)
The Kingman Turquoise Mine is one of the oldest and most prolific turquoise mines in the world, producing high-grade turquoise with a striking blue color. Known for its signature black or white spiderweb matrix, Kingman turquoise has been a favorite among Native American jewelers for decades.
Type of Turquoise: Bright blue with black or white spiderweb matrix.
Best For: Collectors, jewelers, and turquoise enthusiasts.
Pro Tips: Always ask for a certificate of authenticity when purchasing Kingman turquoise, as it’s highly prized and can be imitated. Be prepared to pay a premium for high-grade pieces.
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2. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine (Gila County)
Though closed in 2012, the Sleeping Beauty Mine near Globe, Arizona, remains one of the most famous sources of turquoise. The mine was known for producing sky-blue turquoise with no visible matrix, which made it especially popular in the high-end jewelry market.
Type of Turquoise: Sky-blue with no matrix.
Best For: Collectors seeking rare, matrix-free turquoise.
Pro Tips: Sleeping Beauty turquoise has become rarer and more valuable since the mine’s closure, so expect higher prices. Verify its authenticity through reputable sellers.
3. Morenci Turquoise Mine (Greenlee County)
The Morenci Turquoise Mine, located in eastern Arizona, is famous for its bright blue turquoise with pyrite inclusions that give it a sparkling, metallic look. Though no longer active, Morenci turquoise remains one of the most sought-after varieties in the world.
Type of Turquoise: Bright blue with pyrite inclusions.
Best For: Serious collectors and jewelry makers.
Pro Tips: Morenci turquoise is rare and commands high prices. Ensure you’re buying from reputable sources to avoid imitations.
4. Bisbee Turquoise Mine (Cochise County)
Bisbee turquoise, often referred to as "Bisbee Blue," is among the rarest and most valuable types of turquoise available. Mined from the Bisbee Copper Mine, this turquoise is known for its deep blue color and striking brown or red matrix.
Type of Turquoise: Rich blue with brown or red matrix.
Best For: High-end collectors and custom jewelry designers.
Pro Tips: Due to the mine’s closure in the 1970s, authentic Bisbee turquoise is exceedingly rare. Be cautious of fakes and always ask for certification of authenticity.
5. Ithaca Peak Turquoise (Mohave County)
Ithaca Peak Turquoise is a high-grade variety of turquoise found near the Kingman Turquoise Mine. Known for its deep blue color and silver pyrite matrix, Ithaca Peak turquoise is highly valued by collectors and jewelers alike.
Type of Turquoise: Deep blue with silver pyrite matrix.
Best For: Jewelers and collectors of high-grade turquoise.
Pro Tips: Since Ithaca Peak turquoise is considered some of the finest available, look for reputable dealers who specialize in this rare variety.
The History of Turquoise Mining in Arizona
Arizona has been a center for turquoise mining for thousands of years, with Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni using turquoise for jewelry, tools, and spiritual purposes. The state’s turquoise mines gained global recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as demand for turquoise jewelry, especially Native American designs, skyrocketed. Many of these mines are located in areas rich in copper, which often occurs alongside turquoise.
Over the years, Arizona’s turquoise has been known for its vibrant colors, unique matrix patterns, and historical significance, making it a favorite among collectors and jewelers worldwide.
How to Identify Authentic Arizona Turquoise
With the popularity of turquoise, it’s important to know how to distinguish genuine Arizona turquoise from imitations. Here are some tips to ensure you’re purchasing authentic turquoise:
1. Look for Certificates of Authenticity
When purchasing from a reputable dealer, always ask for a certificate of authenticity. Mines like Kingman and Sleeping Beauty provide documentation to verify the origin and quality of the turquoise.
2. Understand the Matrix
Different types of turquoise have unique matrix patterns. For example, Kingman turquoise is known for its black or white spiderweb matrix, while Sleeping Beauty turquoise has little to no matrix. Familiarize yourself with these characteristics before making a purchase.
3. Know the Price Range
High-quality turquoise is rare and can be expensive, especially from closed mines like Sleeping Beauty or Bisbee. If you encounter turquoise being sold at a low price, be cautious, as it could be dyed or stabilized.
Visiting Turquoise Mines in Arizona
Some turquoise mines in Arizona offer tours or opportunities to purchase turquoise directly from the source. While many mines are no longer in active production, a few provide guided tours and the chance to learn about the history and geology of turquoise mining in the state.
Kingman Turquoise Mine Tours: The Kingman Turquoise Mine offers tours where visitors can learn about the mining process and purchase authentic turquoise directly from the mine.
Royston Mine Tours (Nevada): Although located just across the Arizona-Nevada border, the Royston Turquoise Mine is popular among Arizona visitors. It offers tours where you can dig for your own turquoise and take home your finds.
Turquoise and Native American Jewelry
Turquoise has long been an essential element of Native American jewelry, especially among the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes. It is often combined with silver to create stunning pieces of wearable art that carry deep spiritual and cultural significance. Collectors of Native American jewelry should look for pieces featuring authentic Arizona turquoise, which is highly valued for its rich colors and natural beauty.
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Conclusion
Arizona’s turquoise mines produce some of the most beautiful and sought-after turquoise in the world. From the vivid blues of Kingman and Sleeping Beauty to the unique characteristics of Bisbee and Morenci, each type of turquoise carries its own charm and history. Whether you’re a collector, jeweler, or turquoise enthusiast, Arizona’s mines offer an incredible opportunity to discover this precious gemstone. Use this guide to explore Arizona’s turquoise mines, identify authentic stones, and enhance your collection with some of the finest turquoise available.
Have you visited any of Arizona’s turquoise mines? Share your experiences and favorite finds in the comments below! And if you’re ready to add authentic Arizona turquoise to your collection, explore our selection of high-quality turquoise from the state’s most famous mines.
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