We've scanned a few images of the turquoise
we have in stock to give you a small idea of how different it is.
We stock Turquoise from Africa, China, Nepal (oh yes...Nepal), and America
Stock may be limited, so please be patient if an item is out of stock!
You may also want to see our Turquoise/Sterling Pendants

All About Turquoise

Mention Turquoise, and most people will probably think of Native American silver jewelry set with the sky blue gemstone. Turquoise has always been highly venerated in Native American traditions. It is an essential presence in the Shaman's medicine bag. It can be a simple nugget or bead, or it may be carved in the shape of a totem animal, and adorned with feathers and bits of stone tied to it with sinew. The Pueblo people often placed Turquoise in the floors of their dwellings to bring good fortune. Although Turquoise is closely identified with Native Americans, its lore and appreciation stretch across the globe.

It was discovered by the ancient Egyptians around 3000 BC and was used widely in their finest jewelry and ornaments often combined with Lapis Lazuli and Carnelian as in the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb. The Turquoise was carved into scarabs, and representations of the various gods and worn by the priests for ceremonial purposes. The ceramic Faience was developed by the Egyptians as an imitation for Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli.

Old European traditions associate Turquoise with horses, and hold that the stone will protect horses from all sorts of ills. In particular, it was said to prevent them from drinking overly cold water while overheated and foundering. Turquoise was said to enable its wearer to resist evil and maintain virtue. It was credited with helping achieve a state of higher consciousness and resistance to weakness. It was also thought to protect its wearer from falling, particularly from towers and horses.

Tibetans revere the stone and believe it represents good fortune, good health, and that it provides powerful protection against the evil eye. Turquoise is used in Tibetan healing ceremonies, where a Turquoise bead is thought to hold the shadow soul and draw out illness from the body. Buddhists associate Turquoise with knowledge of the future. Many Tibetans still wear necklaces with Turquoise, and coral beads which are hundreds of years old, and Turquoise often adorns ceremonial objects. In both Tibet and Nepal, Turquoise is highly esteemed and can also serve as currency.

Today the major sources of Turquoise are Arizona, plus Australia, Chile, China, and Mexico. The stone often occurs with veins of matrix which add interest to its beauty. Body oils can sometimes cause Turquoise to turn green with time. It's the alternate birthstone for December.

African Turquoise

Actually, better put turquoise in mental quotes for this one - chemically, it's a jasper, rather than "true" turquoise, but it does have a similar look. Mined in Africa, mostly greens and a little rust with lots of matrix and black spots.

African Turquoise Rounds 4mm = $6, 6mm = $8, 8mm = $10 10mm = $15.50, 12mm = $20
7-9mm Barrel Rondelle assorted $25.00/strand, SOLD OUT

American Turquoise

Mined in America, mostly deep blues with matrix all throughout.

10mm Discs American Turquoise Very Limited Supply! From the Kingman (Arizona) mine very nice! $110.00/strand

American Turquoise Cabachons Sold by the gram in assortments. $40.00 per bag of 10 grams assorted [20-30 cabs]. This photo shows WAY more than 10 grams but we wanted to show you the variety. 5x7mm oval to 12x15mm triangle and in between [Click on the picture to enlarge]

Chinese Turquoise

Mined in China, mostly light greens mixes with blue and yellow.
Not much matrix, with some exceptions.

25mm Turquoise Peace Sign Beads Sold by the piece $1.00 each 25mm x 4mm Click on the picture to see a close-up
Blue (Enhanced) Nuggets Medium 5-7mm - $18.00/strand Gorgeous Color! Click on the picture to see a close-up
4-5mm Blue (Enhanced) Nuggets Small Nuggets 4-5mm $15.00/strand Gorgeous Color! Click on the picture to see a close-up
Blue (Enhanced) Nuggets Medium 5-7mm - $18.00/strand Gorgeous Color! Click on the picture to see a close-up
Chinese Turquoise 5mm Donut Rondelle $15.00 per strand Click on the picture to see a close up.
Chinese Turquoise 10mm Round $35.00 per strand Other round sizes in stock: 8mm ($30) 6mm ($17) and 4mm ($16)
Chinese Turquoise Skull Beads 18mm Beautiful! $3.00 each
Chinese Turquoise 2x2mm Heishi Tubes Beautiful! $15.00 per strand Click on the picture to see a close up.
Chinese Turquoise Cabachons 10x14mm Oval $42 per card [42 cabs]

Lemon Yellow Turquoise

From China, mostly light yellow little green and black matrix.

Lemon Yellow Faceted Nuggets $25.00 per strand Approx. 13x18mm (with variations) Click on the pic to see a close-up
Lemon Yellow Turquoise Flat Ovals $20.00 per strand Approx. 12x15mm (with variations) Click on the pic to see a close-up
Lemon Yellow Turquoise Rondelles $20.00 per strand 8mm
Lemon Yellow Turquoise Faceted Rondelles $35.00 per strand 14mm Click on the pic to see a close-up
Lemon Yellow Turquoise Rounds Available in three sizes, 4mm, 6mm and 8mm.

Mexican Turquoise

Mined in Mexico, at the Compitas mine, this turquoise resembles the deep blues of Sleeping Beauty with matrix all throughout. Some of these had already been made into finished necklaces, so have clasps on them. You can use them for the nuggets, or you can just sell them as is!

7-12mm Compitas Turquoise Nuggets $22.00 per strand
Compitas Nuggets sold loose: $1.00/gram Size choices: 10-15mm and 12-25mm
10-25mm Compitas Turquoise Nuggets Graduated, 21" strand $35.00 per strand

Nepalese Turquoise Nuggets

Never heard of these ourselves, but who are we to argue with a monk? Beautiful Blue/Green tones Approx 7-9mm, slight variances in size. $30.00 per strand Click on the pic for a close-up

Persian Turquoise

PERSIAN TURQUOISE CABACHONS. We got these from a collector's estate, who kept them under lock and key for many years. These are excellent for glueing onto any project and are all natural, no enhancements whatsoever. Assorted shapes and sizes. Sold by the CARAT in assortments. There are approximately 10-14 cabs in a 25 carat assortment. Size variances are anywhere from 5x7mm through 8x11mm and in between. $40.00 per bag (25 carats assorted).

"Treated" Turquoise Chips

Treated turquoise is a process by which the pore spaces of the stone are filled with a transparent substance such as mineral oil, paraffin, or plastic to improve the color, and make it more desirable. Not to be confused with Stabilized Turquoise, in which an epoxy resin or other substance is infused into the pores of the stone. No longer porous, its color will not change over time. Stabilization allows us to use turquoise that might otherwise not be suitable for jewelry.

Treated turquoise, 36" chip strands Beautiful light blue chips Variances in sizes from 4-6mm. $4.00 per strand Click on the pic for a close-up look

Yellow Turquoise

Yellow Turquoise is from China and is brand new on the scene, with its dark yellow/pea green tones. This shade is lovely and rare, with lots of variations and shades of yellows, greens and darker matrix. Very hard to find or even get information about this particular shade. Lovely for all types of jewelry. Make lovely center stones on any custom design. Virtually endless possibilities.

Dark Yellow Turquoise Large Rounds. Available in 12mm, 14mm, 16mm and 18mm. Prices start at $30.00 per strand.
Varietal Yellow Turquoise Big Oval Nuggets 20x30mm Big Flat Ovals $30.00 per strand Click on the picture to see a close-up
Varietal Yellow Turquoise Small Rounds. Available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm. 4mm = $8, 6mm = $11, 8mm = $14
Yellow Turquoise Cabachons 10x14mm Oval (pictured) $42 per card [42 cabs] 8x10mm Oval $25 per card [39 cabs]