Turquoise

CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O

Turquoise is iconic for its use in Native American jewelry. Turquoise has long been revered by many Southwestern Native peoples for its association with the sky, water, protection, and well-being. Its vibrant blue and blue-green hues connect it symbolically to rain and life-giving forces in the desert Southwest, making it one of the region's most culturally significant materials. For hundreds of years, Native people in the Southwest used turquoise for ornamental and religious purposes. The Cerrillos Hills in New Mexico are riddled with prehistoric turquoise mines, possibly dating back as early as the first century CE. American Turquoise is mined in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico, with Arizona and Nevada being the largest producers. Arizona turquoise is known for its blue color. The presence of copper creates these deep blue tones. Nevada turquoise is better known for its green colors, with higher levels of iron and zinc causing this effect.

Learn More:     About Turquoise     The Difference Between Natural & Stabilized Turquoise     The Turquoise Mineral Group     Turquoise Mine Chart