Herbie Murray
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a highly sought-after gemstone known for its unique colour, durability, and association with Native American cultures. The stone, which ranges in colour from chalky blue to deep blue, is considered one of the most important American Mine turquoise varieties globally. It was named after the mountain range in Globe, Arizona, where it was discovered, which resembles a sleeping woman. The gemstone has been used in Native American jewellery, trade, religious ceremonies, and art. Its popularity among jewellers, collectors, and artists, combined with limited supply, has contributed to its high value and recognition worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Chalky-blue, 'robin's egg' blue, sky-blue, deep-blue |
| Matrix | Little to no matrix |
| Hardness | 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale |
| Toughness | Fair to good |
| Finish | Smooth, glossy, with limited or no veining |
| Scarcity | Modern scarcity |
| Origin | Sleeping Beauty Mine, Globe, Arizona |
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What You'll Learn
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise is known for its unique colour, which can range from chalky-blue to sky-blue to deep-blue. The stone is also known for its lack of matrix and natural strength, making it a favourite among jewellers and artists worldwide. The process of mining turquoise is simple but labour-intensive. It involves removing the top layer of ground, sorting the turquoise from the rock, chipping away the rock from the stone, and then sorting the stones by shape, quality, and colour.
The Sleeping Beauty Mine was once the world's largest producer of natural turquoise and is still the largest producer in the United States. However, due to increased government regulations and mining costs, the mine closed in 2012. Since its closure, the price of Sleeping Beauty turquoise has significantly increased, and the stones are now rare due to their limited supply. Despite this, the mine still produces some of the world's most coveted turquoise, shipping the stones to jewellery manufacturers worldwide.
The destination of the stone is specific, as the colour and clarity dictate where it is shipped. For example, Egyptians prefer dark blue turquoise, while Italians prefer light blue. The Sleeping Beauty Mine offers both natural and stabilized turquoise, depending on the buyer's preference. Stabilizing the stone makes it more resilient to colour change and more practical for use in jewellery.
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The stone's colour
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is revered for its light blue colour and clean look with little to no matrix. It is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the turquoise world. The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine, located near Globe, Arizona, produces blue to light blue turquoise with a medium sky-blue hue. The mine was named after the mountain range where it is located, which from a distance is said to resemble a sleeping woman with her arms crossed.
The value of coloured stones is typically determined by a combination of their colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is no different. The gem is known for its medium sky-blue hue, which for many represents the ideal turquoise colour. Collectors and connoisseurs prefer it for its even body colour, drawing comparisons to classic Persian turquoise. Finished stones should have a smooth, glossy finish with limited or no veining.
The stone shows a limited matrix and a similar colour to Kingman Turquoise, which has an actively producing mine. The United States and China are the two largest suppliers of turquoise today. The Sleeping Beauty mine was a major producer of turquoise from the early 1970s until it closed in 2012 due to increased government regulations and mining costs. The mine yielded only a small amount of high-quality turquoise, making it rare and valuable.
The difference between Sleeping Beauty turquoise and other blue turquoise stones is that these turquoise pieces display little to no veins within the gem, which is common in other types of turquoise. The stone is stable enough for a thorough polishing and can be used in jewellery without any need for stabilisation. The clean look of Sleeping Beauty turquoise is achieved by its lack of matrix, which is the remnants of the rock the stone came from.
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Spiritual properties
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a highly revered and sought-after gemstone known for its distinctive colour, durability, and spiritual properties. The stone has been used and treasured by Southwestern Native American cultures for centuries and is considered a standard for Native American jewellery. During the Anasazi period, Native American civilizations used turquoise for trade, religious ceremonies, and art.
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine, located near Globe, Arizona, was a major producer of turquoise and one of the largest mines in North America. The mine was named after the mountain range where it is located, which, from a distance, resembles a sleeping woman with her arms crossed. The gemstone is known for its light blue to sky-blue colour, with little to no matrix (remnants of the rock it came from). The lack of matrix and consistent, even colour make it ideal for jewellery, as it can be thoroughly polished without the need for stabilization.
The spiritual properties of Sleeping Beauty turquoise are said to include:
- Healing: Turquoise is believed to promote physical and spiritual healing, aiding in the restoration of balance and harmony within the body and mind.
- Spirit: The stone is thought to enhance spiritual awareness and connection, providing guidance and clarity on one's life path.
- Good fortune: Sleeping Beauty turquoise is associated with good luck and positive energy, bringing prosperity and abundance to its wearer.
- Protection: Turquoise is considered a protective stone, shielding against negative energy and safeguarding the wearer from harm.
- Communication: The stone is believed to enhance communication skills, encouraging open and honest expression, and improving relationships.
- Creativity: Sleeping Beauty turquoise is said to stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas, making it popular among artists and artisans.
The unique colour and spiritual significance of Sleeping Beauty turquoise have made it a highly desirable gemstone for jewellery and decorative items. Its association with healing, good fortune, and spiritual connection has endeared it to people across cultures, and it continues to be a sought-after stone in the gem and jewellery industry.
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How to spot a real stone
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a unique and highly prized stone, renowned for its stunning sky-blue colour and exceptional quality. Mined exclusively in Arizona, this turquoise has a distinct appearance and is considered one of the most desirable varieties in the world. But with its growing popularity and value, how can one ensure they are acquiring a genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise? Here are some essential factors to consider when spotting a real stone:
Colour and Matrix: Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is known for its striking colour, which ranges from a light, robin's egg blue to a deeper, vibrant azure. This distinct colour is often referred to as "Sleeping Beauty Blue." The stone typically has a uniform colour distribution with minimal veining or webbing. Another characteristic to look for is the presence of a matrix, which is the brown or black host rock that is often found in turquoise. In the case of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, the matrix is usually sparse or absent, contributing to the stone's smooth and consistent appearance.
Surface Texture and Luster: Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise should exhibit a smooth and waxy surface texture. When you run your fingers over the stone, it should feel slightly oily or soapy, which is an indication of its fine quality. In terms of luster, the stone should have a subtle to moderate shine, known as a vitreous luster. Avoid stones that appear overly glossy or plastic-like, as this could indicate artificial treatment or coating.
Consistency and Density: Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is known for its remarkable consistency in colour and texture throughout the stone. Look for stones that have a uniform appearance, free from noticeable colour variations or patches. Additionally, genuine turquoise is a relatively dense material. A real Sleeping Beauty Turquoise will feel heavy for its size compared to imitation stones, which may feel lighter or more hollow.
Testing for Authenticity: There are a few simple tests you can perform to help verify the authenticity of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. One common test is the light test, where you examine the stone's colour under different lighting conditions. Genuine turquoise will appear more vibrant and consistent in natural daylight, whereas imitations may look duller or change colour under artificial light. Another test is the scratch test, where you gently scratch an inconspicuous area of the stone with a sharp object. Turquoise is a relatively soft mineral, so if it scratches easily without showing any signs of layering or flaking, it is likely authentic.
Consult Expert Appraisers: When in doubt, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a gemologist, appraiser, or a reputable jewellery dealer. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to accurately evaluate the stone's authenticity and quality. These professionals can perform more advanced tests, such as gemological testing with specialized equipment, to provide a definitive assessment of the stone's composition and origin.
In summary, when identifying genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, pay close attention to its distinct colour, matrix patterns, texture, luster, and consistency. By understanding these characteristics and performing simple authenticity tests, you can make an informed decision when acquiring this beautiful stone. Remember that Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a valuable and sought-after gemstone, so ensuring its authenticity is crucial to safeguard your investment and appreciate the true beauty of this natural wonder.
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The stone's value
The value of Sleeping Beauty turquoise is determined by a combination of its colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine, located near Globe, Arizona, was one of the world's largest producers of natural turquoise and is known for its unique sky-blue colour with little to no matrix. The mine was closed in 2012 due to increased government regulations and costs, which has led to a significant rise in the price of Sleeping Beauty turquoise.
The scarcity of the stone has made it highly valuable and sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs, who prefer its even body colour and lack of matrix. The stone's colour ranges from chalky-blue, similar to "robin's egg" blue, to sky-blue, and occasionally deep blue. According to research, the darker the stone, the rarer it is. However, most jewellers and gemologists prefer the sky-blue colour, with minimum to zero matrix.
The Sleeping Beauty turquoise is also known for its durability and stability, making it suitable for jewellery without the need for stabilisation or enhancement. It has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratches and ideal for daily wear. The stone's value is further enhanced by its rich history and spiritual properties, having been long appreciated by Southwestern Native American cultures and used in trade, religious ceremonies, and art.
The high demand for Sleeping Beauty turquoise often results in the stone being pre-sold before it is even mined. The value of these gems is expected to increase further as their supply dwindles and the mine struggles to keep up with commercial demand. The mine offers the stones in small quantities and sizes, with larger specimens usually offered to buyers and resellers through a waiting list system.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a popular blue gemstone that comes from a mine located near Globe, Arizona. It is noted for its solid, light blue colour with little to no matrix.
Turquoise in general is a special stone that has been used in jewellery for centuries. It signifies healing, spirit and good fortune. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is specifically important as it is considered one of the most important American Mine turquoise in the world. It is also highly sought after due to its unique colour, which ranges from chalky-blue to sky-blue, to deep-blue.
Real Sleeping Beauty Turquoise can be identified by its colour, formation and price. Fake stones are usually made of epoxy resin, plastic, or dyed howlite. The colour of a fake stone may appear too strikingly blue and may peel off. Real stones are harder and will not scratch easily.
