Turquoise is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world. Its vibrant blue and green colors make it a favorite for jewelry and art. But not all turquoise is the same. Some types are more valuable, rare, and beautiful than others. If you want to know which turquoise is the best, this guide will help. We will explore the different types of turquoise, their qualities, and what makes some stand out above the rest.
Understanding Turquoise: Color, Hardness, and Origin
Turquoise is a mineral made of copper and aluminum phosphate. Its color comes from copper (which makes it blue) and iron (which adds green tones). The best turquoise has a rich, even color with little to no veins or impurities.
The hardness of turquoise also matters. High-quality turquoise is hard and durable. Soft turquoise is more likely to crack or fade over time. Some turquoise is stabilized (treated to make it stronger), while the finest turquoise is natural and untreated.
Where turquoise comes from also affects its quality. Some mines produce the most sought-after turquoise in the world. Others produce lower-grade stones.
The 8 Best Types of Turquoise
Not all turquoise is equal. Some types are more valuable because of their color, rarity, and origin. Below are the most highly regarded types of turquoise:
1. Persian Turquoise (Iranian Turquoise)
Persian turquoise is considered the finest in the world. It comes from Iran (historically called Persia). This turquoise is known for its pure, sky-blue color. It has almost no matrix (the dark veins seen in some turquoise).
Persian turquoise is rare and highly prized. Many antique Persian turquoise pieces are in museums and royal collections. If you want the best turquoise, Persian is at the top.
2. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Sleeping Beauty turquoise comes from Arizona, USA. It is famous for its bright, uniform blue color. Unlike other turquoise, it has little to no matrix, making it look clean and smooth.
This turquoise was mined from the Sleeping Beauty Mine, which closed years ago. Because no new stones are coming out, Sleeping Beauty turquoise is now very rare and expensive. Jewelers and collectors love it for its pure color.
3. Lander Blue Turquoise
Lander Blue is one of the rarest and most expensive turquoises. It comes from Nevada, USA. What makes it special is its deep blue color with a unique spiderweb matrix. The dark veins create a beautiful contrast with the bright blue stone.
Only a small amount of Lander Blue was ever mined. Today, genuine Lander Blue turquoise sells for very high prices. It is a favorite among serious collectors.
4. Bisbee Turquoise
Bisbee turquoise comes from Arizona, USA. It is known for its deep blue and green colors, often with a reddish-brown matrix. The mine closed long ago, making Bisbee turquoise rare.
What makes Bisbee special is its rich color variations. Some stones are almost electric blue, while others have a deep teal tone. The combination of color and matrix makes each Bisbee turquoise unique.
5. Number 8 Turquoise
Number 8 turquoise comes from Nevada, USA. It has a beautiful blue-green color with a golden-brown matrix. The contrast between the bright stone and the dark veins makes it stand out.
Number 8 turquoise is no longer mined, so it is highly collectible. Many Native American jewelers use it in their work.
6. Kingman Turquoise
Kingman turquoise comes from Arizona, USA. It is known for its bright blue color and black or brown spiderweb matrix.
Kingman is one of the oldest and most famous turquoise mines in America.
High-quality Kingman turquoise is very desirable. Some stones have a clear, robin’s egg blue color, while others have intricate webbing.
7. Royston Turquoise
Royston turquoise comes from Nevada, USA. It has a unique greenish-blue color with a dark matrix. Some Royston stones have a golden-brown matrix, which makes them look striking in jewelry.
Royston is still mined today, but the best-quality stones are hard to find. Many people love Royston for its earthy, natural look.
8. Morenci Turquoise
Morenci turquoise comes from Arizona, USA. It is famous for its deep blue color and bold black matrix. The contrast between the blue and black makes Morenci turquoise very eye-catching.
Morenci is no longer actively mined, so high-quality pieces are rare. Many collectors seek out Morenci turquoise for its dramatic appearance.
What Makes Turquoise High Quality?
Not all turquoise is valuable. The best turquoise has certain qualities:
Color: The most prized turquoise is a pure, bright blue (like Persian or Sleeping Beauty). Green turquoise can also be beautiful, but blue is usually more valuable.
Clarity: High-quality turquoise has little to no matrix (veins). Some people love the spiderweb look, but clean, solid-color stones are rarer.
Hardness: The best turquoise is hard and doesn’t need stabilization. Soft turquoise is often treated with resin to make it stronger.
Origin: Turquoise from famous mines (like Persian, Lander Blue, or Bisbee) is more valuable.
Natural vs. Treated: Natural, untreated turquoise is the most desirable. Stabilized turquoise (treated to improve hardness) is more common but less valuable.
How to Identify Fake or Low-Quality Turquoise
Not all turquoise sold in stores is real. Some is fake or low quality. Here’s how to spot the difference:
Plastic or Dyed Howlite: Some fake turquoise is just dyed howlite (a white stone) or plastic. Real turquoise feels cool and heavy, while fake feels light and warm.
Over-Stabilized Turquoise: Some turquoise is crushed and mixed with resin to make it look solid. This is not as valuable as natural turquoise.
Mislabeled Stones: Some sellers call stones “turquoise” when they are actually other minerals. Always buy from trusted dealers.
Which Turquoise Should You Choose?
The best turquoise depends on what you like:
- If you want the finest quality, choose Persian turquoise or Sleeping Beauty.
- If you love spiderweb patterns, go for Lander Blue or Kingman.
- If you prefer greenish-blue tones, try Royston or Bisbee.
- If you want rare collector’s pieces, look for Lander Blue, Number 8, or Morenci.
Conclusion
The best turquoise is beautiful, rare, and natural. Persian turquoise is the most prized, but American turquoise like Sleeping Beauty, Lander Blue, and Bisbee are also highly valued. When buying turquoise, look for rich color, hardness, and authenticity. Avoid fake or heavily treated stones.
Whether you want a turquoise ring, necklace, or just a raw stone, choosing high-quality turquoise ensures you get a piece that will last and appreciate in value. The best turquoise is not just a gem—it’s a piece of history and art.
Related topics:
How Durable Is Turquoise Ring?
What Is the Highest Grade of Turquoise?
How Many Kinds of Turquoise Are There?
