Gold Turquoise
Treasure Hunting for Turquoise
Turquoise rough
Turquoise is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral used in jewelry. It has been mined since at least 6000 BC by Egyptians. Like other opaque such as coral, turquoise is commonly sold by the size in millimeters rather than by weight.
Turquoise is usually found sandstone layers and can be seen as splotches or as a network of brown or black veins running through the sandstone. There are many small-scale mining operations that are worked by hand. Only one mine in Apache Canyon California operates at a commercial capacity today.
With a hardness of just under 6, about the hardness of window glass, this gemstone takes a good polish. It comes in white, blue, green, brown, yellow and all of the shades in between. The value of the turquoise you will find is determined by the richness of color. Robin’s egg is usually the most valuable. The more of a green hug or lightening of color will decrease the value. Turquoise should never be soft or chalky in color.
Turquoise polished
Turquoise is typically found in the arid regions of the world and some high quality gemstones have been found in the Southwest United States such as Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.
More that 120 mines have produced significant quantities of gem quality turquoise in Nevada. Nevada mines are primarily worked for the gemstone as apposed to other mining areas where turquoise is usually the result of the by product of other mining activities. The geological formation of Nevada turquoise, it is hard and dense and usually does not require any treatment or enhancements to be used in jewelry.
The Royston mining district located near Tonapah, Nevada conducts tours of the mining facility Wednesday through Saturday excluding holidays. For $100 per person you will get a bucket to fill up by picking through the tailing piles. You will need to bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, water, and a good pair of shoes.
The mines in Royston have been in operation since 1902 and by 1915 over $5,000,000 worth of turquoise has been removed from the mines. It was believed to have been the largest single producing turquoise mine in America at that time.
The Otteson’s Mine also offers mine tours, Wednesday through Friday excluding holidays. For $50 per person you will get a bucket to fill up by picking through the tailing piles.
Turquoise is found throughout the Southwest United States. Always contact the states Bureau of Land Management for any fees or permit requirements before treasure hunting on public land. Also get permission from any land owners before hunting on private property.
In Arizona turquoise has been found near Albuquerque, Bisbee, Cave Creek, Globe, Kingman, Turquoise and Birdeyes mountains.
In California turquoise has been found in San Bernardo, Imperial, and Inyo counties.
In Colorado, search Conejos, Lake, El Paso and Saguache Counties.
In Nevada, search Clark, Elko, Esmeralda County, Eureka, Lander, Mineral County and Nye counties.
New Mexico, Eddy, Grant, Otero, and Santa Fe counties.
Tools you will need to hunt for turquoise; Pick Axe, rock hammer, gloves, safety glasses, bucket. Remember you are searching arid regions of the world so proper clothing is a must. Wear clothing in layers because weather can change very rapidly in these areas. Water, hat and a good sunscreen is a must.
Happy Treasure Hunting.
About the Author
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting
14K Gold Turquoise Navajo Ring Video
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Studex Sterilized Piercing Earrings * Ear Stud * Turquoise * Regular * $2.95 STUDEX ear studs are the best-selling ear piercing studs worldwide. This fact reinforces our determination to produce our ear studs with the highest possible precision and quality. Ear piercing studs are available in many styles. * Sterilized Piercing Earrings * Size: Regular (3mm) * One Pair * Made in the U.S.A.... |
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Turquoise and Gold Ring $616 Add to your collection with the turquoise and gold ring. A large turquoise stone sits in the center of the ring with four gold clusters holding it together. The turquoise is surrounded by diamonds that glow with elegance and flair. |
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RAIN Turquoise and Gold Earrings $105 Beautiful turquoise stone Set in gold metal shaped like the sun Each turquoise stone is unique in nature and may appear slightly different then the photo Reinforced on back with four gold prongs Made in China |
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Gold and Turquoise Necklace $68 The gold and turquoise necklace features a lustrous combination of elements. Three chains are presented in this piece, with the main chain comprised of turquoise stones. The center of the necklace features the turquoise stones being accented by a long cluster of leaves that dangle below it. Two gold chains are also presented, adding texture to the piece. |
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Turquoise Set with Gold Charms $125 Turquoise Bracelet Set with Gold Charms by Lacey Ryan includes five individual bracelets. A combination of turquoise, fossil, amazonite, and aquamarine with evil eye, 4 wishes,hamsa, snake, and lucky elephant charms. |
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Turquoise and Gold Leaf Earrings $38 A bold and bright look is presented with these turquoise and gold earrings. The earrings feature a string of small leaves that cluster and dangle down. At the end of the cluster, there lies a small turquoise bead, accenting the piece. |
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Gold Knot and Turquoise Earrings $113 The gold knot and turquoise earrings feature unique vintage gold filled chains in a knotted formation. A spine of turquoise Swarovski crystals swings in front. Briolettes of moss aqua and lapis anchor the unusual pair. These drop earrings make a distinctive statement with day wear. |
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Turquoise and Gold Circle Necklace $75 Effortlessly chic and bold, this turquoise and gold circle necklace is sure to stand out. The necklace includes a thick, long gold chain that adds flair to the piece. The chain leads to a large circle pendant, which features a border alongside the circle. Resting in the center of the necklace is a large turquoise stone. |
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Turquoise $32.99 Turquoise |
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Turquoise Ring of 14K Gold $298 Our Oval Turquoise 14kt Gold ring is bordered with a twist rope design. (R6972) 298 Approx 6.4 grams 5/8" wide x 7/8" across Stone lays horizontal |
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Gold Cuff with Turquoise Stones $170 Ben-Amun gold turquoise colored stone cuff is colorful and unique. This gold-plated cuff features an ocean-toned flower pattern as its center. With large blue and turquoise colored cabochons adorned with smaller green cabochons in varying shapes, this cuff stands-out. This modern vintage cuff is 2 1/2 inches wide for an original designer flare. |
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Turquoise Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold $229 14kt yellow gold Turquoise bracelet. (352FD17B) 7" 229 9x18mm flat Turquoise gemstones Weighs approx 8.7 grams Tongue and lock clasp with safety catch Comes in a nice gift box |
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Turquoise Stud Earrings in 14k Gold $45 Make everyday a special one with these 14kt gold Turquoise stud earrings. (E7824) 45 Weighs approx .8 grams 6mm Turquoise Post backs are for pierced ears only Comes in a nice stud earring box |
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14K Yellow Gold Genuine Cab Turquoise Earring $444.99 14K Yellow Gold Genuine Cab Turquoise Earring Brand: CleverSilver |
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Turquoise Ring $150 The turquoise ring is a statement piece that every girl needs in her fashion jewelry collection. The large faceted turquoise stone is framed with a gorgeous border of textured 22k yellow-gold plate. This must-have ring would look beautiful worn on any finger and offers an adjustable fit for size 7 and up. |
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Turquoise House Party Gold Pack Kit For 20 $19.99 Get your House Party started with the super convenient Turquoise House Party Gold Pack. Our turquoise House Party packs include enough plastic tableware for a party of twenty. The Turquoise House Party Gold Pack includes: Turquoise 7 inch Plastic Plates - package of 20 Turquoise 9 inch Plastic Plates - package of 20 Turquoise Luncheon Napkins - package of 50 Turquoise Beverage Napkins - package of 50 Turquoise 12 oz Plastic Cups - package of 20 Turquoise Plastic Cutlery - 24 knives, 24 forks and 24 spoons Turquoise Plastic Tablecover 54 inches x 108 inches |
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Turquoise and Gold Double Drop Earring $75 Ornate and resplendent, these turquoise and gold double drop earrings are a fabulous piece. The earrings are comprised of two intricately detailed gold circles, with various leaves and swirl patterns included. Accentuating the pattern are small turquoise beads, scattered around the earring in a circular pattern. |
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14k Gold Turquoise Earrings with Omega Backs $449 14kt gold omega back earrings with domed turquoise centers. (E3396) 449. Measures approx 7/8" Turquoise measures approx 12mm wide each More turquoise jewelry shown below |
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Multi Strand Turquoise 14k Gold Long Earrings $298 These 14kt gold multi strand Turquoise bead earrings are timeless. (E7582) 298 9.58 ctw of Turquoise 8x5mm Turquoise drops 4.7 grams Measures 3" Leverbacks are for pierced ears only |
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Nava Zahavi Turquoise Trail High Karat Gold and Turquoise Earrings $880 Bright blue bliss meets your accessory collection with the Nava Zahavi Turquoise Trail High Karat Gold and Turquoise Earrings. Fluid movement is created along these 3" drop earrings with turquoise briolettes backed by 18k gold leaves. This creates a cascading combination of colors, showcasing a vine-line design. The metallic gold hue emphasizes the brilliant and bold color of the turquoise earrings. This statement pair is just asking to be paired with a think gold hammered cuff, sky-high stilettos and an evening on the town. |