12 BREATHTAKING TYPES OF TURQUOISES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Explore The Fascinating World of Various Types of Turquoise
The mineral turquoise is formed when water containing copper and aluminum leaks through a rock. Turquoise varies in quality from high (Gem) to low (chalk). Gem grade types of turquoise are extremely difficult to find. On the other hand, chalk turquoise is soft and is less valuable than gem turquoise.
What Do the Names of Different Types of Turquoise Resemble?
It is believed that most turquoise is named after their respective mines. The same mine can produce many different types of turquoise, and other mines can create the same kind of turquoise. This depends entirely on the content of minerals that leak out and the chemical reactions that take place.
The Beauty of The Green & Blue Turquoise and What Separates Them?
Turquoise is a blue to green mineral that consists of copper aluminum phosphate. When the aluminum contains copper, the vibrant blue color is formed. However, when the turquoise color is associated with iron rather than copper, green turquoise is formed.Â
Discover 12 Exquisite Types of Turquoise
1. Carrico Lake Turquoise
The Carrico Lake turquoise is known for its clean, spring green color. Sometimes, it displays a dark-blue green color with a black spider web matrix. Like many types of turquoise, they're mined from- Carrico lake. The scarcity and color of these types of turquoise make it a valuable addition to any gems collection.
2. Number 8 Turquoise
The color of Number 8 varies from blue with shades of green to beautiful dark blue. It is known for its black, golden-red, and brown matrix. Found in Eureka County, Nevada, the Number 8 turquoise is no longer being produced. This makes it one of the most valuable and rare stones that can be collected and worn.Â
3. Lander Blue Turquoise
The Lander Blue turquoise was discovered in a small mine located in Lander County, Nevada. The mine produced deep blue turquoise with black spiderwebs containing some brown matrix chunks. Less than 110 pounds of this beautiful spiderweb turquoise was ever mined. The turquoise produced was also one of the first to almost gel or a semi-translucent glassy quality.
4. Bisbee Turquoise
Bisbee was only actively mined for two years, from 1972-1974 in the Laender Pitt Copper mine. The shades range from green to dark blue and have red, black, or brown matrices. They are often called "smoky Bisbee." The texture is tough and is extremely expensive- that is, if you can find it. Â
5. Kingman Turquoise
These royal rocks come from one of the highest and oldest turquoise mines. It is located in Mohave County in Western Arizona and was first found by prehistoric Indians around 1000 years ago. Today, the mine produces all colors of turquoise, with the matrix being primarily white.Â
6. Morenci Turquoise
Another well-known turquoise, the Morenci turquoise, comes from a mine in Western Arizona. The most desirable color that this mine produces is a deep blue color with an unusual matrix of irregular quartz and pyrite, which resembles silver when polished. However, the mine no longer operated, which makes this rock rarer than hen's teeth now.Â
7. Turkish Turquoise
The word turquoise has been derived from Turkey because, in the 17th century, Turkish merchants and dealers took these gemstones to Europe through Turkey to sell them. When these traders introduced the Persian bluestone, the gemstone's name was influenced. The word "turquoise" comes from the French Pierre torques or "Turkish stone."
8. Dragon Skin
Of all the many types of turquoise, one of the most widely used turquoises is Dragon skin (or Chinese turquoise). There is much evidence of turquoise being used in China dating as far back as 1700 BC. The colors range across the entire spectrum, from greens to blues and even yellows. The best collectible material is dark blue with excellent spider webbing.Â
9. Persian Turquoise
Persian turquoise comes from mines in modern-day Iran. It has a bright robin egg blue color. The material usually has a clear, bright turquoise blue color with pyrite markings. Used in the past by cathedrals and kings and now by celebrities, this turquoise has been a status of wealth and a fashionably chic gemstone.
10. Egyptian Turquoise
Egyptian turquoise was first found in Egypt 7500 years ago. It has bright greenish blues and webbing of rich red and copper hues, making it unique. Collectors can differentiate between turquoise and this one because of the richness of color that this matrix has. It was also used extensively by Egyptian healers, kings, pharaohs, and rulers long ago the past.Â
11. Amaroo Station Turquoise
This is an Australian turquoise that can be found in Amaroo Station. Although four 11 gallon drums of raw crystals were extracted here, only three produced fine gem quality. They feature beautiful bright-pastel blues, bright-medium sky blues, and rich robin's egg blues with swirling eggshells and spider web designs present on the matrix.Â
12. Campitos Turquoise
Campitos turquoise was mined in Mexico from the Pino Chieko and Cananga mines in Sonora. It is a highly unique turquoise as it grows in clay as free-form nuggets rather than as veins (like most types of turquoise). It has a light to medium blue color and sometimes has pyrite markings, giving it a sparkle.
