25 Jan What Is Sleeping Beauty Turquoise?
Turquoise – A hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate
What makes turquoise “Sleeping Beauty”? The answer is it’s origin. Origin plays a significant factor in valuation.
A very high percentage of turquoise currently on the market is treated, dyed or imitation. So where does turquoise come from? Historically fine grade goods came from the mountains in Iran. Into the 20th century turquoise was found and being mined in the copper rich Southwest. One mine specifically known for producing goods with a striking and smooth sky blue – robins egg blue was named “Sleeping Beauty”. It was named “Sleeping Beauty” due to its mountainous range that resembles the figure of a sleeping woman lying on her back.
Located in Globe Arizona, the “Sleeping Beauty” mine is famous for producing very fine grade goods that resemble the finest grade Persian turquoise. It was the largest producer of turquoise in the United States. Land in Globe Arizona is rich in copper. The blue in turquoise is enhanced when copper is present. If more aluminum is present it will shade to more of a green. The mine closed in 2012 when it was sold. The new owner purchased it and decided to focus only on copper and gold mining. The city Globe was originally built on mining of silver, copper and gold. https://westernmininghistory.com/towns/arizona/globe/
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for jewellery because it shows very little veining and could often be polished without being stabilized. The closure of the mine caused prices to soar almost 5 times what it was when the mine was producing. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like this sleeping beauty will ever wake up. If you would love to own a piece from the mine, your best bet is to shop estate. Shop with a reputable dealer to avoid purchasing dyed, treated or synthetic goods. For more blog posts visit http://34.69.59.42/~adrianli/stjewelleryappraisal.com
I hope the happy shade of turquoise brightened your day!
Sincerely,
The Blonde Gemologist
Sherrie Anne Taylor
Graduate Gemologist Appraiser & Registered Master Valuer
