Well Known Nevada Turquoise Varieties
Nevada’s diverse array of turquoise is truly remarkable, with each type boasting a distinct appearance and rich history. For those interested in starting a turquoise collection, Nevada’s offerings would serve as an excellent foundation.
Darling Darlene Turquoise
Acquiring genuine Darling Darlene Turquoise is a rare privilege. This mine yielded some exceptional dark blue turquoise specimens. Situated a few miles west of Battle Mountain, the mine’s limited production has rendered its turquoise extremely scarce. When purchasing, exercise caution to ensure authenticity, as true Darling Darlene Turquoise is rarely encountered.
Blue Gem Turquoise
Nevada’s turquoise exhibits considerable color variation, yielding both green and blue hues with intense coloration. Similar to Darling Darlene Turquoise, the Blue Gem Turquoise Mine, also known as Battle Mountain Turquoise, was situated near Battle Mountain. Although the mine is no longer operational, it produced exceptionally valuable turquoise renowned for its hardness and vibrant colors.
Carico Lake Turquoise
Carico Lake Turquoise is renowned for its stunning green hue, which is attributed to its unique zinc and copper composition. While it is most notable for its green color, this gemstone can also occur in various shades of blue. Named after a dried lake bed, Carico Lake Turquoise is sourced from Lander County, Nevada. Due to the mine’s remote location and harsh winter conditions, the yield of turquoise is relatively limited.
Lander Blue Turquoise
Lander Blue Turquoise, renowned for its exceptional value, originates from a limited deposit in Lander County, Nevada. This distinctive turquoise features a profound blue hue with a black matrix and characteristic spider-web pattern. Due to the scarcity of this material, imitations are sometimes created to replicate its appearance. Given its extreme rarity and substantial value, potential buyers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing Lander Blue Turquoise.
8 Mine Turquoise
Number 8 Mine Turquoise is deemed an extinct turquoise variety due to the mine’s nonexistence, which was a result of the site being excavated following the discovery of gold in the surrounding area.
Learn more about #8 Mine Turquoise by clicking here.
Carlin Turquoise
This is another turquoise specimen that would be fortunate to acquire as a genuine piece today, given its rarity. It originated from a small mine and is renowned for its exceptional clarity and hardness. High-quality examples of Carlin Turquoise are nearly translucent.
McGinnis Turquoise
Situated in the eastern foothills of central Nevada’s Toiyabe Range, the McGuinness Turquoise Mine is named in honor of George McGuinness, who intermittently operated the mine during the 1930s and 1940s. The mine’s turquoise is typically medium to dark blue, although it can occasionally exhibit greenish hues. The finest McGuinness Turquoise is characterized by its deep blue color and slight translucency. The mine remains operational on a limited basis, weather permitting.
Stormy Mountain Turquoise
The Stormy Mountain turquoise mine, renowned for its distinctive dark blue hue, is situated in Elko County, Northeastern Nevada. This striking turquoise derives its name from the intricate patterns and colors present within it.
Fox Mine Turquoise
Also known as the Cortez Mine, the Fox Turquoise Mine was formerly the largest producer of turquoise in Nevada, having yielded over 500,000 pounds of this valuable mineral to date. This exceptional turquoise, which produces an array of blue and green hues, remains available for purchase today.
Red Mountain Turquoise
This small-scale mining operation in Northern Nevada remains operational today, albeit at a limited capacity. The turquoise mined here is renowned for its striking dark blue hue and intricate dark spiderweb matrix.
Godber Mine Turquoise
Discovered in 1932, the Godber Turquoise Mine yields medium to dark blue turquoise, typically exhibiting dark webbing matrix. Frequently, this turquoise features dark blotches or veins traversing the blue hue. Presently owned by Bruce and Jeri Woods, this modest mining operation continues to produce limited quantities of turquoise. Renowned for its exceptional hardness, this highly collectible turquoise is highly prized.
Smokey Valley Turquoise
Smokey Valley Turquoise has become scarce. This medium blue turquoise is renowned for its nugget-type formation, characterized by minimal matrix, predominantly featuring brownish-black hues.
Royston Turquoise
Situated near Tonopah, Nevada, the Royston mine is renowned for producing turquoise that ranges in color from green to light blue, although the hues can vary significantly, often featuring a combination of both green and blue. The matrix of this striking turquoise exhibits a dark brown to golden coloration. Limited quantities of Royston Turquoise continue to be mined today.
Pilot Mountain Turquoise
Pilot Mountain Turquoise continues to be produced, albeit in limited quantities. The gemstone exhibits a range of colors from light blue to dark green, often featuring varied matrix patterns, including brown, red, or black. Notably, some specimens display a striking spiderweb-like matrix.
Other Varieties of Nevada Turquoise
Additional Nevada Turquoise varieties of potential interest to collectors include:
Papoose Turquoise
Lone Mountain Turquoise
Crow Springs Turquoise
Ajax Turquoise
Montezuma Turquoise
Easter Blue Turquoise
Blue Diamond Turquoise
Timberline Turquoise
Valley Blue Turquoise
Zuni Mine Turquoise
Use Caution When Purchasing Turquoise
Turquoise is among the most frequently counterfeited or misrepresented gemstones currently available. Prior to making a significant investment in turquoise, it is essential to understand the distinctions between various turquoise types, as well as recognized treatments, enhancements, and simulants.