Exploring the Beauty of Bisbee Turquoise at its Source in Arizona
You may love the enchanting Bisbee turquoise color, but do you know where it's from? There's no better place to see it than at its source in Arizona. This vibrant blue-green stone is present only in the mountains of this southwestern state.
The views here are very stunning. From the turquoise mines to the natural landscape, Bisbee is a photographer's paradise. So come on an adventure to explore the beauty of Bisbee turquoise! 💙
Bisbee Arizona
The town of Bisbee, Arizona, got its name from Judge DeWitt Bisbee. He was one of the investors in the nearby Copper Queen Mine. With the discovery in 1880 of deposits of copper, gold, and silver in the area, Bisbee soon became a very popular mining town for turquoise.
The turquoise found in Bisbee is some of the oldest and most valuable in the world. Its unique shades of blue, ranging from deep indigo to a light robin-egg blue, make it very desirable among collectors.
What Is Bisbee Turquoise?
Turquoise found in the vicinity of Bisbee, Arizona is referred to as "Bisbee Blue." This turquoise can exhibit a wide variety of colors and qualities. It can be pale blue with little value.
It could be a hard, brilliant blue that resembles lapis lazuli. It also has many shades in between.
The matrix (the background rock in which the mineral forms) is also important for determining quality. Top-tier examples will have a spiderweb pattern against a brownish-red backdrop. Green varieties of turquoise from this region exist, too but are less common than their blue counterparts.
Bisbee turquoise is one of the most sought-after stones in the world. It's a semi-precious gemstone that was first discovered in an old copper mine in Bisbee, Arizona. This unique stone is identifiable by its beautiful blue shade. It's used in jewelry and other decorative items, thanks to its stunning color and durability.
History of Bisbee Turquoise
Founded in the 1870s, the Bisbee Turquoise Mine was a copper mine in Arizona owned by Phelps Dodge Company. In 1950, while mining for copper, they discovered turquoise in an area called "The Lavender Pit." The Phelps company had no use for the blue stone, and until 1972 they just let it sit there or dumped it.
During the extraction efforts, there were no organized attempts to recover the turquoise. The mine loaded it into large trucks and transported it to landfills.
Company employees took home some of the turquoise recovered between 1950 to 1960. Although this went against company policy, it was not enforced. For many years in the 1970s, these people were the only ones that had turquoise.
The only other source was those granted permission to collect it from the landfill for a small fee once per year.
How is Bisbee Turquoise Mined?
The mining of Bisbee turquoise involves a process called room and pillar mining. This type of mining involves excavating large rooms in the rock, leaving pillars of rock to support the roof. First, there is the extraction of all the valuable minerals from the room.
The next is the removal of the pillars holding up the roof, which causes it to collapse. This goes on until the extraction of all material is complete.
This process is controversial, as it can damage the surrounding environment. As a result, many miners now use more sustainable techniques. This includes open-pit mining or selective blasting to get to the turquoise veins.
Closing Of The Mine
The Phelps Dodge Company closed the mine due to environmental pressures. The Bisbee turquoise deposits were totally exhausted and are no longer available in quantities that can be commercially mined.
Even though much of the collection has been sold, there are still many suppliers and reputable artists who sell this collectible and exquisite type of turquoise from Bisbee.
Because of its rarity, Bisbee Turquoise is more expensive than other varieties of turquoise. However, its investment quality and beauty make it a popular addition to any collection.
Bisbee Turquoise Composition
Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate is the major component of Brisbee Turquoise. It also contains traces of iron, titanium, and magnesium. This mix of minerals gives the stone its distinctive blue color and shiny appearance.
Its unique composition also makes Bisbee turquoise very strong and durable, perfect for use in jewelry that will last a lifetime.
Benefits of Bisbee Turquoise
Bisbee turquoise is said to have a number of benefits, including promoting creativity, helping to relieve stress, and providing protection from negative energy. The stone is also believed to be helpful in treating respiratory problems and improving circulation.
Here are just a few health and wellness benefits associated with this rare stone. Bisbee turquoise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, making it a great stone for meditation.
It is believed to have powerful healing properties, which can help with physical ailments. These include arthritis, depression, and even some forms of cancer.
It is also believed to help strengthen the immune system by promoting a healthy balance of energy. Bisbee turquoise can encourage creativity and growth, making it an excellent stone for artists or entrepreneurs.
It increases self-confidence and emotional balance. It aids in the absorption of nutrients from food, helping to improve your overall health. It does this by stimulating the digestive organs to produce more enzymes.
It can even help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
Bisbee Turquoise Today
Bisbee turquoise is still a very sought-after stone, but the majority of it that is sold today comes from the collections of private individuals rather than from mining. This makes it even more rare and valuable.
The Bisbee mine closed many years ago. No new material is available, so collectors often pay high prices for pieces of Bisbee turquoise jewelry.
Today, it is still one of the most beautiful and collectible stones available. Its unique beauty makes it a popular choice for creating custom-made jewelry that will stand out from the rest.
Whether you're looking to purchase a small lot of cabs, Bisbee turquoise is sure to be the perfect addition to your collection. With its striking blue color and unique composition, there's no other stone quite like it!
Bisbee Turquoise Identification
Genuine Bisbee Turquoise is easily identifiable by its striking blue color and unique matrix patterns. The stone is often found in the form of nuggets or cabochons.
It can also be cut and polished for use in jewelry. Bisbee Turquoise is recognizable by its hardness, as it is often harder than other varieties of turquoise.
Where Can You Find Bisbee Turquoise?
You find this rare stone only in the mountains around Bisbee, Arizona. The mines here have been producing this gemstone since 1870, making it one of the oldest sources of turquoise in North America. The town of Bisbee itself is home to numerous galleries where you can view and purchase a variety of jewelry featuring Bisbee turquoise.
Our collection of Bisbee turquoise cabochons will sure delight any jewelry artist or collector who adore its striking colors and unique qualities.
Bisbee Turquoise Price
The price of Bisbee Turquoise can vary significantly depending on its size, quality, and availability. Generally speaking, larger pieces of stone are more expensive as they are much rarer. Also, stones with unique matrix patterns or vibrant blue colors tend to be more valuable than those that are plain or have fewer matrix patterns.
Shop Genuine Bisbee Turquoise Cabs
Bisbee Blue turquoise is a stunning gemstone with a rich history and beautiful colors. It still is one of the most sought-after stones on the market. Its rarity makes it a valuable addition to any collection, and its quality ensures that it will last.
If you're looking for amazing turquoise stones to add to your collection, browse our Bisbee Turquoise gemstones.
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