Sierra Nevada turquoise is a recent addition to Nevada’s turquoise legacy, mined in the high desert near Tonopah by the Otteson family. Discovered in the 2010s, the mine is located near historic turquoise districts like Royston and Candelaria and quickly gained recognition for its vibrant color range and striking matrix patterns.
The stone’s hues span from soft sky blue to deep teal and forest green, often accented with brown, golden, or black matrix. Its patterns—ranging from spiderweb to bold streaks—make each piece visually unique. With a Mohs hardness of 5–6, high-quality material is durable enough to be polished without treatment, while softer stones are stabilized to preserve their structure and color.
Silver Sun carries both natural and stabilized Sierra Nevada turquoise, with the finest examples noted for their vivid saturation and golden matrix. Contemporary Navajo and Pueblo jewelers have embraced this variety, incorporating it into new works that continue the tradition of Southwestern turquoise artistry.
Though a newer mine, Sierra Nevada turquoise has quickly established itself as a favorite among collectors and artists, symbolizing a fresh yet authentic chapter in the enduring story of American turquoise.
