Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a gemstone that was primarily mined from the Sleeping Beauty mine near Globe, Arizona. The mine was named after the silhouette of the mountain range, which resembles a sleeping woman. The gemstone is renowned for its captivating sky-blue colour and pure hue, which is attributed to the specific geological conditions of the mine. The stone has been sought after for centuries, especially by Native American cultures, for its use in jewellery, trade, and ornamental purposes. While the Sleeping Beauty mine closed in 2012, the gemstone continues to be highly valued and sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts worldwide. However, the closure has also led to an increase in the demand for and value of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, making it a rare and special gemstone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Color | Sky blue, robin's egg blue, vivid blue |
| Appearance | Clean, consistent, smooth, translucent to opaque |
| Hardness | 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale |
| Composition | Hydrous phosphate mineral, hydrated copper aluminum phosphate |
| Trace elements | Iron, zinc, manganese, calcium |
| Origin | Sleeping Beauty mine, Globe, Arizona |
| History | Used by Native Americans for trade, religious ceremonies, and jewelry |
| Rarity | Limited availability due to mine closure in 2012 |
| Value | High, sought-after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts |
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What You'll Learn
- The Chinese do not prefer Chinese turquoise due to the use of plastic
- The stone is named after the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona
- The mine was originally meant for copper and gold mining
- The stone's colour is due to the presence of copper deposits
- The stone is highly sought-after for its colour and lack of matrix
The Chinese do not prefer Chinese turquoise due to the use of plastic
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a highly sought-after gemstone known for its vivid sky-blue colour and smooth texture. The stone is named after the Sleeping Beauty mine located near Globe, Arizona, which was one of its primary sources. The mine, in turn, is named after the nearby mountain range, which resembles a sleeping woman. The unique colour of Sleeping Beauty turquoise is attributed to the presence of copper deposits in the surrounding rock.
Turquoise, in general, has been popular among jewellery makers and collectors, especially in the American Southwest, where it has been used by Native American cultures for centuries. The stone has also been popular among Italian cameo-makers in Torre del Greco, who favoured its light blue colour as it complemented coral.
While turquoise is found in various parts of the world, including China, the Chinese variety is often viewed with scepticism by collectors. Tanner, an expert in the field, notes that "they don't want anything to do with Chinese turquoise". This sentiment is shared by other turquoise enthusiasts, who express disappointment when they learn that a piece of jewellery or a gemstone is of Asian origin.
The aversion to Chinese turquoise is largely due to the perception that it is impregnated with plastic, which diminishes the natural beauty and appeal of the gemstone. Collectors, particularly those from Japan and Germany, seek out American-made gemstones, such as the Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, and Bisbee turquoise. They are willing to pay a premium for these stones, as evidenced by the higher prices of collectible American turquoise compared to its Chinese counterpart.
Additionally, the Chinese turquoise is often enhanced with treatments such as wax, resin stabilization, and dye, which further detracts from its desirability. While some may question the authenticity of Chinese turquoise, it is indeed real. However, the low cost of this variety is often associated with the exploitative labour practices in China rather than the quality or rarity of the stones.
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The stone is named after the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine is located in Globe, Arizona, and it is considered one of the most important turquoise-producing mines globally. The mine is named after the mountain ranges where it is located, which, from a distance, resemble a sleeping woman with her arms crossed. The mountain range was named long before the mine opened, and once the mine began operating, it adopted the iconic name.
The Sleeping Beauty mine has a rich history, initially being mined for gold and copper. It was then reopened in the last decade to mine copper and turquoise and became the world's largest producer of natural turquoise. The mine's unique geological environment played a crucial role in producing the high-quality turquoise for which it is renowned. The presence of copper deposits in the surrounding rock gave the Sleeping Beauty turquoise its distinctive vivid sky-blue colour, often devoid of any matrix or veining, resulting in a clean and uniform appearance.
The Sleeping Beauty mine closed in 2012, not due to a lack of turquoise but because the mine was sold to a new owner who chose to focus solely on copper mining. This closure significantly impacted the market, causing prices to skyrocket. As a result, genuine Sleeping Beauty turquoise has become increasingly rare and valuable, highly sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts. The stone's popularity, combined with limited availability, has led to a rise in synthetic varieties and imitations, making it essential for buyers to verify authenticity through reputable gemologists or reliable certification.
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for its pure sky-blue hue and smooth texture. It is sought after for its natural beauty and frequently used in jewellery-making, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The stone has long been appreciated by Southwestern Native American cultures and is featured in many pieces of Native American jewellery. During the Anasazi period, Native American civilizations also used it for trade, religious ceremonies, and art.
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The mine was originally meant for copper and gold mining
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine, located in Globe, Arizona, was originally intended for copper and gold mining. The city of Globe was founded in 1875 as a mining camp, and mining continues to be a significant contributor to the town's economy. The Sleeping Beauty mine derived its name from the mountain ranges where it is located, which from a distance, resemble a sleeping woman.
Turquoise was discovered by accident in this mine during the Anasazi period when it was originally being mined for copper and gold. Native Americans were the first to mine the stone with hand tools. The stone's unique sky-blue colour and smooth texture, devoid of any matrix or veining, are due to the presence of copper deposits in the surrounding rock. Over millions of years, copper-rich fluids seeped into the crevices and fissures of the host rock, interacting with other minerals to form the gemstone.
The Sleeping Beauty mine was one of the primary sources of high-quality turquoise, which is now one of the most sought-after opaque stones in the world. The mine produced some of the only varieties in the United States with little to no matrix and a bright sky-blue colour. The gemstone is highly valued for its natural beauty and is frequently used in jewellery-making, ranging from rings and earrings to necklaces and bracelets.
The mine closed in 2012, not because it was depleted, but because it was sold to a new owner who chose to focus on copper mining instead. This closure significantly impacted the market, causing prices to soar. Today, Sleeping Beauty turquoise is increasingly rare and valuable, making it highly sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
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The stone's colour is due to the presence of copper deposits
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a gemstone that is prized for its vivid sky-blue colour and smooth texture. The gemstone was primarily sourced from the Sleeping Beauty mine near Globe, Arizona, USA, which was named after the mountain range where it is located, which resembles a sleeping woman. The mine was also a source of copper, and it is the presence of copper deposits that gives the gemstone its distinctive colour.
Turquoise is a secondary mineral that forms through the alteration of pre-existing rocks containing copper minerals. The primary host rocks for turquoise formation are typically igneous rocks, such as granite, or sedimentary rocks like limestone, where copper minerals are present. The presence of copper in the host rock is crucial for turquoise formation. Over time, geological processes such as hydrothermal activity or weathering release copper-bearing fluids into the surrounding rock formations. These copper-rich fluids then interact with other minerals, including aluminium phosphate, which combines with the copper to create the characteristic blue colour of turquoise.
The unique blue colour and absence of matrix in Sleeping Beauty Turquoise can be attributed to the geological conditions and composition of the Sleeping Beauty mine. The mine's particular geological environment likely played a significant role in producing the high-quality turquoise for which it became famous. The formation of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is attributed to the presence of copper deposits in the surrounding rock. Over millions of years, these copper-rich fluids seeped into the crevices and fissures of the host rock, where they interacted with other minerals to form the gemstone.
The chemical composition of turquoise consists primarily of hydrated copper aluminium phosphate. The exact composition can vary depending on the specific locality and geological conditions of formation, and trace elements such as iron, zinc, and manganese may also be present, influencing the colour and properties of the stone. The bright blue colour of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is derived from the copper present in the stone, while the deep green shades come from chrome and iron.
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The stone is highly sought-after for its colour and lack of matrix
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a highly sought-after variety of turquoise known for its captivating colour and enduring legacy. The gemstone is named after the Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona, which was one of the primary sources of this turquoise. The mine, nestled near Globe, Arizona, got its name from the nearby mountains, which resemble a woman peacefully asleep.
The limited availability of Sleeping Beauty turquoise due to the closure of the mine in 2012 has further driven up its value, making it a coveted gemstone for collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike. The stone's rich history, spiritual properties, and association with peace and energy in feng shui also contribute to its appeal.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise has a unique formation process, resulting from specific geological conditions and the composition of the mine. It is a hydrated aluminium phosphate, formed by the action of hydrothermal fluids on pre-existing rock over millions of years. The mine's particular geological environment played a significant role in producing the high-quality turquoise for which it became famous.
In summary, Sleeping Beauty turquoise is highly prized for its captivating colour, lack of matrix, and clean appearance. Its formation, history, and limited availability have all contributed to its status as one of the most sought-after varieties of turquoise in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is known that turquoise has been adored for thousands of years in ancient China, there is no specific mention of the use of Sleeping Beauty turquoise. In fact, some sources note that Chinese-mined turquoise is often avoided by collectors due to the use of plastic in the mining process.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a variety of the gemstone turquoise, named after the Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona, where it was originally mined.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is highly sought after for jewellery and ornamental purposes. It has been used in Native American jewellery and for trade, religious ceremonies, and art.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is known for its vivid sky-blue colour, ranging from a soft, robin's egg blue to a more vibrant shade.
Yes, Sleeping Beauty turquoise is considered valuable due to its limited availability since the mine's closure in 2012. It is sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
