The most valuable turquoise depends on a variety of factors. The color, quality and size of the stone all affect its value, as does the geographic location from which it originates. Generally speaking, the most valuable turquoise is often classified as an “old-style” or “pueblo” turquoise, meaning it is thousands of years old and contains veins, webbing and pitting.
These types of turquoise can include stones sourced from mines found in the Southwest United States, specifically Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. They usually produce a vivid blue-green hue and are characterized by dramatic veining and matrix patterns.
However, because of changes in the environment over time, old-style turquoise can become scarce and more difficult to source. As a result, the cost of this type of turquoise is often quite high. Additionally, stones from certain parts of the world such as Tibet, Iran, and China can fetch high prices because of their rarity and cultural significance.
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What is the rarest kind of turquoise?
The rarest type of turquoise is considered to be Royston turquoise, found in Nevada. It is highly sought after for its unique coloration, ranging from shades of pink and yellow-green to deep blue. The coloration is due to high concentrations of copper, giving it a unique composition rarely found in other turquoise deposits.
Royston is also renowned for its stability, enduring elements and time better than other types of turquoise. As a result, Royston is often the turquoise of choice for antique jewelry and other unique pieces.
How do I know if my turquoise is valuable?
To determine if your turquoise is valuable, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you should evaluate the quality of the stone. Some of the qualities that may enhance the turquoise’s value include color, matrix, shape, hardness, and origin.
The more desirable the qualities are, the more likely the turquoise is to be valuable.
Second, you should consider the size of the stone. Generally, larger stones with more desirable characteristics will be more valuable. Stones with rare and unique properties may also be highly valued, as they are very rare and difficult to source.
Third, you should consider the source of the turquoise. Those coming from mines in places such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and California are generally considered to be of higher quality and may have more value than stones from other areas.
Finally, you should do your research on the market value of turquoise. Prices can vary based on the quality and other factors. You can search online or consult with a turquoise expert to get a better idea of what your turquoise may be worth.
Why is Sleeping Beauty turquoise so expensive?
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a very rare and unique natural stone found exclusively in Arizona. It is one of the finest, most desirable varieties of turquoise due to its vibrant, even-blue color with no or minimal markings and tan or brown matrix.
It is also especially hard and durable. All of these factors combined contribute to its steep price tag due to its rarity and quality. While other types of turquoise can be mined in large amounts, the Sleeping Beauty mine produces only a small supply.
This means that jewelry makers must pay a premium to obtain even a small amount of this prized turquoise. Additionally, the Arizona mine is at a higher elevation, so the cost of acquiring it is more expensive than other types of turquoise.
The labor cost also plays a role in its high cost, as the back-breaking labor of collecting the stones off the mountain by hand is highly valuable and comes at a cost.
How can you tell Kingman turquoise?
Kingman turquoise is a beautiful gemstone mined from Kingman, Arizona that is well-known for its unique matrix of browns and blacks and greenish-blues. It is particularly sought-after for its uniformity in color and eye-catching spiderweb pattern that can form.
Additionally, it is also known for its full range of hues, such as multiple shades of blue, yellow, green, brown, and white. To tell Kingman turquoise apart from other stones, the most obvious difference is the dark brown and black matrix, indicative of the stone’s origins in Kingman, Arizona.
Another tell-tale sign of Kingman turquoise is its hardness. Kingman turquoise is one of the hardest stones in the turquoise family and feels noticeably more solid and smooth than other varieties of turquoise.
This gives it a greater resistance to chipping and breaking. Other things to watch out for when determining Kingman turquoise is its consistency in color, texture and appearance. The color is usually a consistent light to medium blue with faint to dark spider web pattern and occasionally with some bronze mottling.
The stone is also often patched with a yellow-green ore, or limonite. Lastly, another way to determine Kingman turquoise is its weight. Kingman turquoise feels heavy for its size and has a greater density than other types of turquoise.
Is the Sleeping Beauty mine still producing turquoise?
The Sleeping Beauty Mine is an inactive turquoise mine outside Globe, Arizona. In 2012, North American Mines acquired the Sleeping Beauty Mine and mining claims, but it no longer produces. According to the MineListings website, the mine is for sale.
The established turquoise claims at the Sleeping Beauty Mine include pegmatite veins of spheroids, nuggets, and druse that have been collected from a 300 x 50 feet area.
Prior to the closing of the mine, the turquoise produced by the Sleeping Beauty Mine has been highly sought-after by gemstone buyers and private collectors due to its pure blue color and lack of spotty matrix.
It is a distinctive turquoise that is used to make jewelry and other decorative items.
The mine was closed due to economic conditions and the declining demand for turquoise. Nevertheless, the turquoise that has already been mined from the Sleeping Beauty Mine is still available on the market and is still highly prized.
Therefore, while the mine is no longer producing turquoise, it is still possible to purchase high-quality turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty Mine.
How much does turquoise sell for per pound?
The cost of turquoise can vary greatly depending on the type, origin, and quality of the material. Commonly mined turquoise from the United States typically sells for between $10 and $50 per pound, while rarer stone may cost significantly more.
In general, the higher the quality, grade, and color of the turquoise, the more expensive it will be. The size of the pieces is also a factor, with larger ones typically costing more than smaller ones.
The most expensive turquoise on the market can even cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per pound.
Is turquoise worth more than gold?
The answer to this question really depends on the specific piece of turquoise or gold that is being compared. Generally, gold is worth more due to its rarity and higher market value. The price of both turquoise and gold also fluctuate, so it can also depend on the market price of either item at a certain point in time.
Generally though, gold is considered to be more valuable than turquoise, but it will all depend on the particular piece being considered.
What happens if turquoise gets wet?
If turquoise gets wet, the stone can become discolored and brittle. One of the main issues with turquoise getting wet is that it can absorb water, causing it to swell and crack. This is especially true of synthetic turquoise or turquoise that has been stabilized with a resin to make it more durable.
When exposed to water, this resin can deteriorate, leading to discoloration and loss of durability. It is best to avoid getting turquoise wet, even if it is water-resistant. When caring for your turquoise jewelry or stone, it is best to keep it away from water or moisture.
You can use a jewelry cloth to gently clean the stone and return its moisture-resistant properties.
What rock is more valuable than gold?
Diamonds are often considered to be more valuable than gold. Diamonds have been prized for centuries for their rarity and brilliance and are seen as a symbol of status. They are very hard and resistant to scratching, making them one of the toughest materials in nature.
Diamonds are also valuable because of their rarity, with prices depending on factors such as size and color. This rarity, combined with their beauty and durability, makes diamonds a valuable commodity that is often more valuable than gold.
Additionally, gold is normally found in large quantities, but diamonds are much rarer and can only be mined in select locations around the world. This makes diamonds extremely valuable and sought after, with some of the rarest, highest-quality diamonds being worth more than gold.
Can gold be found in turquoise?
No, gold cannot be found in turquoise. Turquoise is a mineral consisting of a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, usually a light blue or greenish color. It often contains beautiful veins of webbing or matrix, which can be quite stunning, but gold is not one of the materials that make up turquoise when it is mined.
It is possible, however, for small particles of gold to become encased in the turquoise matrix during the process of formation. This is known as “gold-bearing turquoise”. Gold-bearing turquoise is sought by collectors and is difficult to find; it is extremely rare and delicate.
Additionally, the gold particles that are found within the turquoise are too small to mine for profit. As such, gold can not be found in turquoise, but it is possible for small particles to become encased within it on rare occasions.
Does turquoise have gold in it?
No, turquoise does not have gold in it. Turquoise is a semi-precious stone with a unique color and sheen, composed of phosphate and aluminum with traces of copper and iron. Turquoise is valued for its unique, sky-blue to blue-green shade, which can range in intensity.
It is often used in jewelry and ornaments and can be found in color-streaked or webbed varieties. While turquoise does not contain gold, it does have a close association with it, both in terms of color and symbolism.
Ancient cultures associated turquoise with deities and the afterlife, while gold was more often associated with tangible wealth and power. Still, to this day, gold and turquoise are often used in tandem in jewelry and pottery.
What does fake turquoise look like?
Fake turquoise can vary greatly in appearance depending on what it is made of, but it usually has a dull, mottled appearance, with faint veining or streaks that don’t match the pieces around it. It tends to be more uniform in color than genuine turquoise, and often has a chalky surface texture.
Sometimes it will also have air bubbles or an over-smoothed, plastic-like appearance. Fake turquoise may also be dyed to have an unnatural color, like bright blue or green. It can feel lightweight and fragile, and may have a waxy or unnatural feeling when touched.
It is sometimes used as a cheap alternative to genuine turquoise and can be difficult to identify unless examined closely.
How can you tell if turquoise is stabilized or natural?
To tell if turquoise is stabilized or natural, look closely at the gemstone. Natural turquoise will show a certain degree of marbling, as its colors are a combination of blue and green, typically with yellow and brown veins running through it.
The gemstone should also have an unpolished, slightly pitted surface with a natural edge. Stabilized turquoise will usually have been dyed, so it will be a brighter and more intense color. Its surface will also be polished and appear waxy, and the edges may be slightly rounded.
Additionally, a stabilized turquoise will feel smooth, whereas natural turquoise is gritty or even gritty. Lastly, if you have access to a microscope you can observe the composition of the stone. Natural turquoise will display its crystal growths, whereas stabilized turquoise may be too small for the crystal growths to be visible.
