Grasshopper turquoise originates from a small mine in Lander County, Nevada, and is treasured for its brilliant green colors. Stones range from vivid lime-green to apple-green, often with a contrasting matrix that can appear as stark white webbing or host-rock patterning. This fresh green palette stands out sharply from classic blue turquoises. The texture of Grasshopper turquoise is typically solid, and its coloration can resemble that of the famous Carico Lake or Damele turquoise – though the output of the Grasshopper mine is far more limited.
Discovered only in recent decades, the Grasshopper mine is a tiny “hat mine” and remains only sporadically productive. The supply is extremely limited: miners closely control the rough and generally release the material only as finished cabochons, making it hard for jewelers to source. When available, Native American artists and high-end Southwestern jewelers use Grasshopper turquoise to add a rare splash of vibrant green to their designs. Its scarcity and striking color make any Grasshopper turquoise piece highly collectible, as each showcases a rare Nevada treasure not often seen on the market.
