Mined near Cananea in northern Sonora, Mexico, Sonoran Gold is a relatively new turquoise find admired for its vibrant colors. Stones range from aqua blue to lime and bright green, sometimes blending both hues in one piece, often accented by a golden to brown spiderweb matrix. Unlike many turquoises that form in rock veins, Sonoran Gold occurs as clay-coated nuggets, a byproduct of local copper mining. Its Mohs hardness is around 5–6 (typical for turquoise), but much of the rough material is relatively soft, so most Sonoran Gold turquoise is stabilized or otherwise enhanced to improve durability. Silver Sun’s offerings feature this turquoise in enhanced form, ensuring the stones are hard and suitable for lasting jewelry.
Though newly introduced to the market around 2019, Sonoran Gold comes from a region with a long turquoise heritage. The Sonora Desert has yielded high-quality turquoise for centuries and was part of Native American trade routes carrying turquoise northward. Today, Sonoran Gold’s striking two-tone greens and blues and its connection to Mexico’s mining history make it a sought-after stone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Each piece carries a blend of modern discovery and the rich cultural legacy of turquoise in the Southwest.
