Turquoise is a captivating gemstone that has been cherished for centuries for its stunning blue-green hues and historical significance. It has adorned jewelry, artifacts, and even burial sites of ancient civilizations. While turquoise is found in various locations around the world, not all varieties are equal in rarity and value. In this article, we’ll explore the world of turquoise and uncover the rarest types, each possessing unique characteristics that make them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
1. Persian Turquoise
Persian turquoise, also known as Iranian turquoise, is renowned for its exceptional quality and deep, vivid blue color. The name “Persian turquoise” refers to turquoise sourced from mines in Iran, historically known as Persia. These mines have been producing turquoise for thousands of years, and the gem has played a significant cultural and historical role in the region.
The finest Persian turquoise is known for its intense sky-blue to robin’s egg blue color, often exhibiting minimal veining or matrix. The gem’s color is attributed to the presence of copper, while the absence of iron and other impurities contributes to its pure blue hue.
Due to political and geological challenges, the supply of authentic Persian turquoise has significantly diminished over the years, making it one of the rarest and most highly prized types of turquoise in the world.
2. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is named after the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona, USA, which was a significant source of this gemstone. This type of turquoise is characterized by its striking sky-blue color and uniformity. It often appears in clear, consistent shades of blue without prominent veining or matrix, giving it a clean and modern look.
The Sleeping Beauty Mine was once a prolific source of turquoise, producing a large quantity of this gemstone. However, the mine has been closed since 2012, leading to a substantial decrease in available Sleeping Beauty turquoise. As a result, this gem has become highly sought after, and collectors value it for its rarity and vibrant color.
3. Carico Lake Turquoise
Carico Lake turquoise is a rare and unique variety of turquoise found in the Carico Lake region of Lander County, Nevada, USA. What sets this turquoise apart is its stunning range of colors, which can include shades of light blue, teal, mint green, and even a rare lime green hue.
The lime green variety of Carico Lake turquoise, known as “Carico Lake lemon lime,” is particularly rare and highly prized among collectors. It is distinguished by its bright, vibrant green color and is a result of the presence of zinc and other unique mineral combinations.
Carico Lake turquoise is known for its fine spiderweb veining and its ability to take on a high polish, making it a favorite among jewelry artisans and collectors.
4. Lander Blue Turquoise
Lander Blue turquoise is often regarded as one of the rarest and most sought-after types of turquoise in the world. It is named after the Lander Blue Mine, a small mine located in Lander County, Nevada, USA. The mine operated for only a brief period in the 1970s and produced limited quantities of this exquisite gemstone.
Lander Blue turquoise is renowned for its deep blue color, often with a vibrant red matrix or spiderweb-like veining. The combination of rich blue and bright red creates a striking and visually stunning contrast that is highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs.
Due to its scarcity and the mine’s closure, Lander Blue turquoise is considered one of the rarest and most collectible types of turquoise, commanding high prices in the gemstone market.
5. Bisbee Turquoise
Bisbee turquoise takes its name from the town of Bisbee in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The Bisbee Mine was once a prolific source of high-quality turquoise and was in operation from the late 19th century until the early 1970s.
Bisbee turquoise is known for its rich, vibrant blue color, often with a distinctive chocolate brown or reddish-brown matrix. It may also display intricate spiderweb veining, enhancing its visual appeal.
The Bisbee Mine is no longer in production, and the gemstone is now considered extremely rare. The combination of its unique coloration, matrix patterns, and limited supply has made Bisbee turquoise highly sought after by collectors and jewelry designers.
6. Number 8 Turquoise
Number 8 turquoise is named after the Number 8 Mine located in Eureka County, Nevada, USA. This turquoise is characterized by its stunning bright blue color, often with a golden-brown to black spiderweb matrix.
What makes Number 8 turquoise particularly rare and valuable is its scarcity and the fact that the Number 8 Mine is no longer operational. The mine was active in the early 20th century and produced a limited quantity of this gemstone.
Due to its unique color and matrix patterns, as well as its historical significance, Number 8 turquoise is highly prized by collectors and often used in high-end jewelry designs.
7. Godber/Burnham Turquoise
Godber/Burnham turquoise is a rare and distinctive type of turquoise that comes from the Godber and Burnham mines, located near the town of Battle Mountain in Lander County, Nevada, USA.
What sets this turquoise apart is its striking combination of bright blue and bold reddish-brown colors, often resembling a beautiful desert sunset. The reddish-brown matrix is known as “chocolate matrix” and adds to the gem’s unique appeal.
Godber/Burnham turquoise is treasured for its rarity, stunning coloration, and captivating matrix patterns. As the mines are no longer producing, this gem has become highly collectible and sought after by turquoise enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a gemstone with a rich history and cultural significance, and the rarest types of turquoise are highly prized for their exceptional beauty and scarcity. From the vivid blues of Persian turquoise and Sleeping Beauty turquoise to the striking colors of Carico Lake and Godber/Burnham turquoise, each variety offers unique characteristics that make them stand out in the world of gemstones.
As these rare types of turquoise become increasingly scarce due to limited mining operations and exhausted mines, their value and desirability continue to grow among collectors, jewelry designers, and turquoise enthusiasts. Whether appreciated for their historical significance, captivating colors, or unique matrix patterns, the rarest types of turquoise continue to inspire awe and admiration for their timeless beauty.
