Turquoise Mountain is located near the Kingman mine in northwestern Arizona and is sometimes confused with Kingman due to proximity. However, Turquoise Mountain turquoise has distinct characteristics: it tends to be a lighter blue with minimal webbing, and some vintage material shows a greenish hue or a “birdseye” pattern of light blue surrounded by darker outlines.
Mined heavily in the 1970s, the original operation closed but the mine was reopened in recent years. The current turquoise being extracted differs from older material—today’s stones are generally lighter in tone and less webbed. Some high-grade pieces are cut and sold as natural; lower-grade stones are stabilized to improve durability.
Though technically a peak within the larger Kingman mining area, Turquoise Mountain turquoise is often marketed on its own due to its distinct look and collectibility. It’s a favorite among jewelers for its color range and smooth polish, and is increasingly appearing in Navajo and Pueblo-made jewelry. Its mix of affordability, durability, and attractive coloring makes it a popular choice for both designers and collectors.
