Turquoise Gemstone: Types, Origins, and Significance

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Turquoise, a beautiful blue-green stone, is one of the oldest and most valuable minerals in the world. Their distinctive color, beauty and cultural significance have fascinated people for thousands of years. The rarity, origin and uniqueness of the gem contribute to its high value. In this blog, we will explore the different types of turquoise, their origins and the value of this fascinating gem.

Types of turquoise

The table below details the different types of turquoise from A to Z, along with their origins, mines, and colors.

Types of turquoise	Origin	Colors
Sleeping Beauty	USA	Sky blue
Persian Turquoise	Iran	Robin’s egg blue
Chinese Turquoise	China	Greenish-blue
Egyptian Turquoise	Egypt	Deep blue-green
Kingman Turquoise	USA	Sky blue, matrix
Morenci Turquoise	USA	Bright blue with matrix
Tibetan Turquoise	Tibet	Blue, green
Carico Lake Turquoise	USA	Blue-green
Lander Blue	USA	Deep blue with matrix

Description and Origins of Turquoise Types

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

The bright sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is prized for its ‘pure turquoise’ lack of any matrix. It is from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona, which was a major source of high quality turquoise until 2012 when it finally closed. Due to its vivid color and rarity, this gemstone is both popular and very desirable for use in a jewelry design.

• Reference: Turquoise Jewelers

Persian

Persian turquoise for the last 5000 years has been one of the most prized gems in the world. This variety is celebrated for its stunning robin’s egg blue hue, and this came from Neyshabur, Iran mined. It is one of the most prized types of turquoise in the world, and its beauty and historical significance make it so.

• Reference: GIA Education

Chinese

Chinese turquoise is easy to spot for its blue green color and characteristic matrix patterns. This gemstone is mainly found in Hubei Province, and has a long history, which could be evidenced by its appearance in ancient artifacts and ancient cultures’ jewelry.

• Reference: Turquoise Museum

Egyptian

The Sinai Peninsula is the source of ancient Egyptian turquoise, prized by Pharaohs and royalty since antiquity. This variety is known for its deep blue green color, and is very often seen in historical treasures and artifacts, it is thus one of the earliest documented turquoise sources.

• Reference: Ancient Origins

Kingman

Arizona’s Kingman turquoise is renowned for its sky blue colour and flashy black matrix. Turquoise with a bold and distinctive appearance continues to come out of the Kingman Mine, one of the world’s oldest and most productive mines.

• Reference: Gemological Institute of America

Morenci

Arizona’s Morenci Mine is source of Morenci turquoise known for its brilliant blue color with black or pyrite matrix patterns. The electric hues and unique matrix give it great value, making it a favorite of collectors.

• Reference: Jewelers of America

Tibetan turquoise

Tibetan turquoise, mined from Tibet’s high altitude regions, is much admired for its intense green or deep blue coloring. This gemstone is often found having a golden matrix and holds deep sacred value in Tibetan culture and integrated in local traditions.

• Reference: Turquoise Hill Resources

Carico Lake Turquoise

Carico Lake turquoise is of the Nevada grouping and is prized for its flashy blue green shades with pale brown matrix patterns. This variety is named after the nearby lake and is known for its rare and brilliant color, and is a jewel among turquoise collections.

• Reference: Nevada Turquoise

Lander Blue

The most rare and valuable type of turquoise is Lander Blue turquoise. It is well known for its deep blue nature and appearance of a spiderweb like matrix in Nevada. It is an extremely rare and very beautiful gemstone.

• Reference: Turquoise Research

History and Value of Turquoise

Turquoise was valued by ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Persians and Native Americans. The name of the gem comes from the French word “turchese”, which means “Turkish”, as it was marketed in Turkey. Its value depends on its color, matrix, rarity and origin. The best quality turquoise is light blue without veins or matrix, while blue-green stones are less valuable.

Why Turquoises are Valuable

Turquoise has spiritual and cultural significance in many civilizations. It has been used in royal jewelry, talismans and religious symbols for millennia. Its bright colors and connection to ancient history make it a highly prized gem. The rarity of certain mines, such as Lander Blue and Sleeping Beauty, also increases the value of turquoise.

• Reference: Smithsonian Magazine

FAQs about Turquoise Gemstone

1. What is the most valuable type of turquoise?

The most valuable turquoise is the Lander Blue variety, known for its deep blue color and spiderweb matrix. It is extremely rare, with limited quantities available.

2. How can you tell if turquoise is real?

Authentic turquoise has a smooth surface, rich color, and may have a natural matrix. Be cautious of fake or dyed stones, which are often lighter and lack the natural matrix.

3. Can turquoise change color?

Yes, turquoise can change color due to exposure to oils, sunlight, and environmental factors. This change occurs as the stone absorbs substances over time.

4. Which country produces the best turquoise?

While Persian and Sleeping Beauty turquoise are regarded as some of the highest quality, turquoise from the USA and Tibet also ranks among the best.

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This blog provides a detailed overview of the Turquoise gemstone, its different types, origins, mines, and colors. This ancient and beloved gemstone continues to captivate the world with its beauty, rarity, and historical importance.

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References:

• Turquoise Jewelers
• GIA Education
• Turquoise Museum
• Ancient Origins
• Gemological Institute of America
• Jewelers of America
• Turquoise Hill Resources
• Nevada Turquoise
• Turquoise Research
• Smithsonian Magazi