Why is Sleeping beauty turquoise so expensive?

In 2012, the Sleeping Beauty mine closed and sent prices skyrocketing (not because the mine was spent, but because the copper mine that owned the mining concession sold the mine, and its new owner decided not to pursue the turquoise mining operation, according to Foutz). Buyers used to pay $10 per ct.

How much is a Sleeping Beauty turquoise worth per carat?

Rough from the mine used to sell for as low as $10 per carat in a wholesale atmosphere. Nowadays, if it can be found, rough can go for as much as $50 – or even higher as demand grows!

Is Sleeping Beauty the best turquoise?

Sleeping Beauty stones are some of the most desirable gemstones produced in the world. Sleeping Beauty stones are unique in color and quality anywhere from chalky-blue "robin's egg" blue to sky-blue to deep-blue Turquoise. The dark the rarer the stones are.

What color turquoise is the most expensive?

Blue Turquoise

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.

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.

What is Sleeping Beauty Turquoise? | Turquoise Jewelry

Is turquoise worth any money?

Turquoise prices normally range from $1 to $10 per carat but can reach $1000 per carat for the best quality stones. Real turquoise of the top quality costs even more than gold, so it is definitely worth the money.

What is the best color of Sleeping Beauty turquoise?

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Facts

The preferred color of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a medium sky blue hue. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise comes from the Sleeping Beauty Mine near Globe, Arizona.

Is Sleeping Beauty turquoise still mined?

The Sleeping Beauty mine was closed in 2012, making its turquoise even more valuable. The “Robin Egg” blue makes Sleeping Beauty turquoise stand out. The Kingman turquoise mine is one of the largest in North America.

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.

Where do they mine Sleeping Beauty turquoise?

Located in Globe, AZ, the Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine is one of the most well known producers of turquoise in the world, producing everything from low grade white chalk to a hard, sky blue material with clarity that has made it famous in European markets where they prefer turquoise with no matrix.

How can you tell the quality of turquoise?

Highgrade Natural Turquoise is rated by AA, AAA and AAAA (which is nearly unobtainable and is less then 1% of the Turquoise on the market and in mines). These top three Turquoise Grades are usually in the 5-7 range on the Moh's Scale of gemstone hardness.

Is turquoise worth more than gold?

"High-grade turquoise is worth three times the price of gold because it truly is that rare," he says. "Most of the high grade mined in the '60s and '70s continues to trade hands between collectors and jewelers that truly understand its real value.

Does Sleeping Beauty turquoise have pyrite in it?

The large chunk at the top is a perfect example of Sleeping Beauty as it is found in granite, it's host stone. To the right, a big hunk of pyrite, and below are small pieces of turquoise just beginning to form.

Why is real turquoise 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.

How do you store turquoise jewelry?

The whole thing is to keep your turquoise in a dry place, away from moisture. And if you don't want to worry about storing your jewelry, no worries! Simply store them in your drawer.

Why is turquoise jewelry so popular?

The early appeal of Turquoise is believed in part to have come from the Native Americans who discovered it in southwestern states like Arizona and Nevada. Its vibrant waves of blue ran through the rocks beneath their feet and led them to believe that it could only have come from the skies above, such was its beauty.

How much is a carat of turquoise worth?

How much a turquoise stone is worth is a common question among turquoise collectors. 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. The difference between quality turquoise and cheaper stones can be a little confusing.

Is there fake turquoise?

Typically fake turquoise is made out of a soft mineral called howlite, which is dyed to look just like turquoise. Other imitations include magnesite, plastic, epoxy, and resin that are all dyed to resemble the real deal.

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.

Why is turquoise sacred?

As the stone possesses healing powers, it is used in the sacred bundles of medicine men. According to legends of the Aztecs, people rejoice and dance when the rains come, and their tears of joy mix with the rainwater, the earth soak it to create the 'sky stone'. Turquoise is a symbol of protection, truth, and courage.

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 true color of turquoise?

Turquoise (/ˈtɜːrk(w)ɔɪz/ TUR-k(w)oyz) is a blue-green color, based on the mineral of the same name.

What is genuine turquoise?

All summed up, Genuine Turquoise is a term to describe gemstones that are cut from pure "hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper" that is either natural, enhanced, stabilized or dyed and has not been crushed and mixed with any other material. It should not be confused with the term Natural Turquoise.