Why is Royston turquoise so expensive?

The Royston district is still producing some turquoise of high quality. It ranges from a 5-6 in hardness for the highgrade. This is one the best selling stones for our line of jewelry. This Turquoise is in very limited supply and the real good high grade is very rare.

How can you tell Royston turquoise?

Royston is a district in Nevada consisting of three mines: Bunker Hill, Oscar Wehrend and the largest producer, Royal Blue. Most notably, Royston turquoise is known for its beautiful colors ranging from deep forest green to rich, light blues set off by a heavy, brown matrix.

Which turquoise is most expensive?

For example, Persian grade turquoise is the most valuable, the classic “robin's egg blue” color, because it has trace vanadium and no iron. In the United States, the closest to Persian grade available was found in Arizona's Sleeping Beauty Mine.

Why has turquoise gotten so expensive?

Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed. Government restrictions and the high costs of mining have also impeded the ability to find gem-quality turquoise. Very few mines operate commercially and most of today's turquoise is recovered as a byproduct of copper mining.

Where does Royston turquoise come from?

Royston Turquoise comes from the Royston mining district located near Tonopah, Nevada and has been mined since the early 1900s. "Royston Turquoise" originally consisted of four old Turquoise claims located within the Royston range: Bunker Hill, Easter Blue, Oscar Wehrend, and Royal Blue.

All about Royston Turquoise

Where is the best turquoise from?

"The most common places known for good quality turquoise are Iran (Persia), Egypt, Northwest China, Mexico and the southwestern part of the United States. Although there can be mines found in many states, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada are the most common places where you will find them.

Is the Royston turquoise mine still open?

Tours are held Wednesday through Saturday from April through November, and excludes holiday weekends. For more information on planning your trip to the Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine and the Tonopah area, dial the Otteson's directly at (775) 482-4832.

What is the best turquoise to buy?

The most-prized turquoise color is an even, intense, medium blue, sometimes referred to as robin's egg blue or sky blue in the trade.

Is turquoise a good investment?

Investment quality Turquoise has become one of the most valuable colored gemstones, it has been increasing in value more than 30% per year for several years.

Has turquoise gone up value?

According to another reliable source, the value of turquoise has increased 100%, and the price of collectable, untreated turquoise as much as 200 - 1000%. It's a matter of supply and demand.

What is AAA grade turquoise?

Best (AAA)

These turquoise stones have a sky-blue hue and are also eye-clean. In terms of quality, this category features the top 10% of the turquoise stones.

How can I tell if my turquoise is real?

The most effective way to identify real Turquoise is to do the scratch test. Howlite or other materials fake Turquoise is made from are softer stones than genuine Turquoise. Lightly use your nail to scratch a less visible part of the stone like the backside and if it scratches easily, it's howlite.

Where does the rarest turquoise come from?

Bisebee Turquoise

Originally a huge copper mine in Arizona, this mine produces a royal blue turquoise. Only one company was given the lease to the mine, and in that time, less than 2,000 lbs of high-grade stone was recovered. With so few of these gems ever found, the stone is extremely rare.

What mine has the best turquoise?

What are the two types of turquoise?

What is a Sleeping Beauty turquoise?

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. The host rock is granite. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the favorite of Zuni Pueblo lapidaries and silversmiths for the purity in color. This mine was one of the largest in North America.

Can you wear turquoise to sleep?

According to Winquist, not every crystal is suitable for the room you sleep in. “Crystals that can be overstimulating should not be kept in the bedroom,” she says. These include turquoise and moldavite.

Is turquoise rarer than diamonds?

By definition of rarity (not market size) turquoise is rarer than diamonds. Diamonds deserve their place in the world of gemstones as a commerce gemstone. They are an easy gemstone and subject to learn about and grade.

Can turquoise get wet?

Can you shower with a turquoise jewel? As mentioned before, water and humidity are not recommended. This mineral from dry and arid environments will absorb liquids and chemical products (water, soap, cream, ...) and the colour will be altered.

Does turquoise turn green with age?

The oils in our hands have a very similar affect as water. Over years, or even decades, of touching a turquoise stone with our fingers can lead to the stone changing color. Treatments of the stones called stabilization actually help prevent this process from happening.

What is the current price of turquoise?

The price of turquoise stones normally range from $1 to $10 per carat but can range from $0.05 to $1000 per carat depending on the quality.

Why is my turquoise turning black?

When oils come in contact with turquoise, they essentially do the same thing, they deepen or enhance the color…. at least in the short term…..but eventually, not only does the turquoise become darker, it becomes greener also. I've seen some vintage stones that almost look a blackish green.

Who owns the Royston mine?

Since '85 Dean & Donna Otteson have owned the mine. You can visit this mine and look for turquoise yourself, “$100 gets you a bucket you can fill.” Located on the Highway 95, half-way between Reno & Las Vegas.

Can I mine my own turquoise?

These tours give visitors an excellent chance to mine for their own turquoise in the backcountry of Tonopah, Nevada. Read about this experience below and don't miss out on this unique opportunity this year! It may not be super obvious to most, but Tonopah is a turquoise paradise.

What is Golden Hill turquoise?

Golden Hill Turquoise showcases a Light Blue Stone with Lavender Hues. Its matrix can range from a deep Lavendar to deep Reds, Browns or Rust Colors. Like Turquoises from Egypt, Tibet or Persia, wherever you find Copper or Iron, there is the possibility of finding Turquoise.