The Number 8 turquoise mine, located in Eureka County near Carlin, Nevada, was first claimed in 1929 and quickly earned a reputation for producing some of the finest turquoise ever discovered. Known for its vivid powder blue color and intricate spiderweb matrix (ranging from golden brown to black) Number 8 turquoise is instantly recognizable and highly collectible. Between 1929 and 1933, approximately 5,000 pounds were mined, and in 1950, a legendary 150-pound turquoise nodule was unearthed. Once displayed at the Covered Wagon in Albuquerque, it now resides at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. The turquoise formed in altered quartz monzonite shale and black chert, often appearing in large, solid nodules. The Blue Star Company’s claim in Lander County is especially celebrated for producing classic gold-webbed specimens.
Though the mine officially ceased turquoise operations in 1961, a final stockpile of rough was preserved by the last private owner. Today, Number 8 turquoise is only available from old stock or vintage jewelry, making it increasingly rare. Collectors and jewelers prize it for its durability, rich color, and dramatic matrix. Gem-grade specimens with tight webbing are considered some of the highest quality American turquoise ever mined. With no new material entering the market, Number 8 turquoise remains one of the most sought-after and iconic varieties—both a historic treasure and a lasting symbol of Nevada’s turquoise legacy.
