Turquoise is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world. Its vibrant blue and green colors have captivated people for centuries. But not all turquoise is the same. Some turquoise is common, while other pieces are extremely rare and valuable.
If you love turquoise, you may wonder: What does rare turquoise look like? How can you tell if a piece is truly rare? This guide will help you understand the key features of rare turquoise. We will discuss its color, origin, matrix patterns, and other factors that make it special.
The Color of Rare Turquoise
The most important factor in rare turquoise is its color. Not all blue or green stones are equal. Some shades are much rarer than others.
Sky Blue Turquoise – The Rarest Shade
The most prized turquoise is a pure, bright sky blue.
This color comes from copper, which gives the stone its blue hue.
The less green or yellow in the stone, the more valuable it is.
Famous sources of sky blue turquoise include Iran (Persian turquoise) and the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona.
Robin’s Egg Blue
This is a slightly softer blue, like the color of a robin’s egg.
It is still very rare and highly sought after.
The best examples come from historic mines like the Lander Blue mine in Nevada.
Green Turquoise – Less Common but Still Valuable
Some rare turquoise has a greenish tint due to iron content.
High-quality green turquoise is still collectible, especially if it has a rich, even color.
The Carico Lake mine in Nevada produces famous green turquoise.
The Origin of Rare Turquoise
Where the turquoise comes from plays a huge role in its rarity. Some mines are famous for producing the finest stones, but many have closed, making their turquoise extremely rare.
Persian (Iranian) Turquoise
Considered the finest in the world.
Known for its pure, sky-blue color with no matrix (veining).
Mined for over 2,000 years, but production is now limited.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise (Arizona, USA)
Famous for its clean, bright blue color.
The mine closed in 2012, making this turquoise highly collectible.
Lander Blue Turquoise (Nevada, USA)
One of the rarest turquoise types in the world.
Known for its deep blue color with fine black spiderweb matrix.
Only a small amount was ever mined, making it extremely valuable.
Bisbee Turquoise (Arizona, USA)
Deep blue with a reddish-brown matrix.
The mine closed in the 1970s, so genuine Bisbee turquoise is rare.
The Matrix – A Sign of Rarity
The “matrix” refers to the veins or patterns in the stone. Some turquoise has no matrix, while others have unique webbing.
Spiderweb Turquoise – A Rare Beauty
Thin, delicate black or brown veins run through the stone like a spiderweb.
The best examples come from mines like Lander Blue and Number 8 (Nevada).
Collectors love this pattern because it looks like natural art.
Clear, Matrix-Free Turquoise
Some rare turquoise has no matrix at all.
Persian turquoise is famous for this clean, pure look.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is also known for its lack of matrix.
Golden or Red Matrix – A Unique Rarity
Some turquoise has a golden or reddish matrix from iron or pyrite.
This type is rare and highly prized.
Examples include Bisbee (red matrix) and Kingman (golden matrix).
Hardness and Stability – Why It Matters
Rare turquoise is not just about looks—it must also be stable and durable.
High-Grade Turquoise is hard and does not crack easily.
Chalky or Soft Turquoise is lower quality and can crumble over time.
The best turquoise can be polished to a high shine without treatments.
Natural vs. Treated Turquoise
Many turquoise stones on the market are treated to improve color and hardness. But the rarest turquoise is completely natural.
Natural Turquoise – The Most Valuable
No dyes, stabilizers, or artificial treatments.
The color and hardness are entirely natural.
Much rarer and more expensive than treated stones.
Stabilized Turquoise – Common but Less Valuable
Softer turquoise is often treated with resin to make it stronger.
This is common in jewelry but less valuable than natural stone.
Dyed or Reconstituted Turquoise – Avoid These
Some turquoise is fake—made from dyed howlite or crushed stone mixed with glue.
These are not rare and should not be sold as genuine turquoise.
How to Identify Rare Turquoise
If you want to find rare turquoise, here are some key signs to look for:
- Rich, Even Color – The best turquoise has no dull spots or uneven coloring.
- Fine Spiderweb Matrix – Delicate, natural veining adds value.
- Origin Matters – Stones from famous closed mines (Lander Blue, Bisbee) are rare.
- Natural and Untreated – Avoid stones that are dyed or heavily stabilized.
- High Polish and Luster – Rare turquoise has a smooth, glass-like shine.
Famous Examples of Rare Turquoise
Some turquoise pieces are legendary among collectors. Here are a few famous types:
- Lander Blue Spiderweb – Tiny amounts exist, making it the rarest turquoise in the world.
- Persian Turquoise – Used in ancient royal jewelry, still unmatched in quality.
- Bisbee “Cherry” Turquoise – Deep blue with a unique red matrix.
- Number 8 Turquoise – Known for its golden-webbed patterns.
Why Is Rare Turquoise So Expensive?
Rare turquoise can cost thousands of dollars per carat. Here’s why:
- Limited Supply – Many top mines are closed, so no new stones are being found.
- High Demand – Collectors and jewelers compete for the best pieces.
- Natural Beauty – Untreated, high-quality turquoise is a true natural wonder.
- Historical Value – Some turquoise comes with a rich mining history.
How to Care for Rare Turquoise
If you own rare turquoise, you must protect it properly:
- Avoid Chemicals – Perfume, lotion, and cleaners can damage the stone.
- Store Safely – Keep it in a soft pouch away from harder gems.
- Clean Gently – Use a soft cloth, not harsh cleaners.
- Avoid Heat & Sunlight – Prolonged exposure can fade the color.
Where to Find Rare Turquoise
If you want to buy rare turquoise, here are the best places:
- Auction Houses – Sotheby’s and Christie’s sometimes sell high-end turquoise.
- Specialized Jewelers – Look for dealers who specialize in natural turquoise.
- Gem Shows – The Tucson Gem Show is a great place to find rare stones.
- Estate Sales – Vintage turquoise jewelry may contain rare stones.
Conclusion
Rare turquoise is a treasure of nature. Its vibrant colors, unique patterns, and limited supply make it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
If you ever come across a piece of pure sky-blue Persian turquoise or a spiderweb Lander Blue stone, you’ll know you’re holding something truly special. Whether you collect turquoise or wear it as jewelry, understanding its rarity helps you appreciate its true value.
Now that you know what rare turquoise looks like, you can hunt for these stunning gems with confidence. Happy collecting!
Related topics:
How Much is A Carat of Turquoise?
How Many Kinds of Turquoise Are There?
How Can I Tell if My Turquoise Is Real
