Top Turquoise Mines: Quality Sources For Collectors

By Author: Jameson Cruz
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Turquoise is a beautiful natural stone that makes an excellent piece of jewelry. Turquoise for jewelry making attracts the most skilled artisans and collectors who both use and appreciate its beautiful blue-green hues. The finest turquoise mines produce uniquely colored stones and are even prized for their attractive matrix pattern. When you learn where the best turquoise comes from, it is easier to understand which pieces are worth buying.

Top Globally Turquoise Mines

The most outstanding turquoise mines are scattered over a number of continents. The Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona was a major source of sky-blue stones with very little matrix. The Royston Mine in Nevada produces turquoise with a brown matrix that is very distinctive. The turquoise from Iran is the most luxurious sky blue in the whole world. The Chinese turquoise goes on to the international market and is used widely there.
Each of these mines produces a different shade of turquoise reflecting their geological location. ...
... The Kingman Mine in Arizona has stones in different shades from light to dark blue. The Number Eight Mine in Nevada has been closed for many years, but the turquoise that was mined there is still in demand. The Cerrillos Hills of New Mexico, are not only beautiful but are also historically known as one of the first mining areas of North America.

Hardness Scale for Turquoise

Turquoise's hardness scale ranges from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The medium hardness infers the metal working craftsmen will be more careful in their approach. If the turquoise is very soft it will have to be stabilized before it is cut. Specimens that are hard will be able to resist scratches and will also be able to get a better finish when polished.
Even natural turquoise is sometimes stabilized and impregnated, which means that the turquoise you see from a particular source, may vary, and this affects its value. While they are different, they impact the stones strength and decorators are faced with selecting the stone for different jewelry classes that are more practical for them like pendants and rings. The hardest turquoise will be the most durable as it can keep its polish for a long time even if it is worn daily.

Primary Turquoise Value Factors

There are many turquoise value factors that influence the turquoise market prices. The most important factor is Color. The yellowish blue stones that are free of matrix are the ones to sell at the highest price. The stones that have beautiful spiderweb patterns are also of great value.
Origin is a major factor that alters the prices. Persian turquoise, in the past, would always cost more than the American varieties. The turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty was the most precious one before the mine was closed. If the stones are treated, their value will be less than that of natural ones, i.e., the price of the latter will be higher.
The size and the quality of the cut can make the price go up or down. The big ones with almost no imperfections will be so rare that their prices will be sky-high. The matrix pattern itself may become either an extra feature on the stone to be admired or a mark of its devaluation depending solely on the visual appeal. Collectors drive demand for specific mines and seek certain matrix characteristics.

Turquoise Polishing Guide Essentials

Without proper gear no one can put together a detailed turquoise polishing guide. One should always use diamond-coated wheels for rough work. The surface is eventually smoothed off with the different grit sizes gradually. Fine polishing uses soft wheels and fine abrasive materials.
Grinding water helps keep the metal works cool thus avoiding heat damage. The temperature-sensitive copper compounds present in the turquoise. Turquoise that is very porous needs to be properly stabilized before polishing. Great finishing work will bring out the original brightness and the color intensity of the stone.

Turquoise for Jewelry Making Applications

Jewelry making with turquoise is such a creative and innovative idea that the possibilities are endless. One can use cabochons to beautify the silver settings. Beads contribute to the making of attractive necklaces and bracelets. Inlay methods can be used to exhibit turquoise beside other materials.

It can be said that Native American artists have through centuries perfected turquoise for jewelry making methods. Present-day designers combine both traditional and modern styles. The gem goes extremely well with silver, gold, and copper metals. Being a very versatile one, it can be used in both casual and formal jewelry designs.

Finding Quality Gemstones for Sale

Good dealers provide authenticated gemstones for sale together with provenance information. The buyers should insist on obtaining information about the mine and the treatments. Certificates from gemological laboratories are an additional source of confidence. Online marketplaces are a great way for buyers to reach suppliers from all over the world.

Buyers meet mine operators face to face at trade shows. Sometimes estate sales may turn up vintage turquoise pieces. Collectors who are serious about building their collections develop relationships with dealers they can trust. Quality gemstones for sale come with the provision of authenticity and characteristics.

Are you looking for vibrant pink stones? Why not pick rhodochrosite crystal for sale for adding to your collection.

Conclusion

Good quality turquoise is a result of nature and is found in only a few specific areas in the world. Knowing the features of the mine will enable the buyers to spot the authentic and valuable stones. The best turquoise mines are still producing spectacular specimens that can supply the markets. Whether it is for collection or making, turquoise is never going out of style.