Moose Fact: Getting To Know Kingman Turquoise

The Kingman turquoise mine, which is located in Kingman, Arizona, is the last American turquoise mine that’s producing commercially. The presence of stone hammers suggests that turquoise was mined in the surrounding areas as early as 600 A.D. Now, the mine is owned and operated by the Colbaugh family.

In 1962, Chuck Colbaugh found the artifacts, and at present, the mine is being operated by his grandson, Marty Colbaugh.

Known for its beautiful colors, the Kingman turquoise colors range from pale to dark blue - at times with shades of green; the matrixes can be white, light brown, or black. In the industry, it has also set the standard for blue matrix turquoise. The mine has become famous for its nuggets as only a few mines are able to produce so.

Considered as one of the most popular turquoises in the world, the Kingman turquoise is also one of the easily recognizable American turquoises to several turquoise enthusiasts and collectors around the globe.

Specializing in stabilized turquoise, Colbaugh Processing, which operates the said mine, infuses epoxy into the stones that deepen the color and turns the chalky material suitable to cut and polish - this is to treat a couple of medium to low-grade turquoise produced.

A bunch of the turquoise has a white matrix, which is often dyed black for better contrast. In general, the quality natural Kingman turquoise produced at the said mine is medium blue, coupled with a water web matrix. This is one of its distinguishing factors from other turquoises.

The Kingman turquoise also has a variety of turquoise that ranges from pale green to blue, and with red, brown, or yellow matrices.

At present, natural Kingman turquoise is considered rare due to the rising demand for quality American turquoise.

Take a look at Turquoise Moose’s collection of Kingman turquoise here.