What does Bisbee Turquoise look like?

Bisbee Turquoise Cabochon
Bisbee Turquoise Cabochon

First of all, Bisbee turquoise has a distinct appearance. This type of turquoise is available in shops and on the Internet. Genuine Bisbee, Arizona turquoise is rare and expensive. Consequently, there is “FAKE” Bisbee turquoise offered for sale. In addition, you must be aware that not all sellers are honest or knowledgeable. 

In conclusion, education will add to your confidence in buying this variety of  valuable turquoise.  


Persian Turquoise
Persian Turquoise

Most noteworthy, Persian Turquoise is the closest turquoise in appearance to Bisbee Turquoise. One noteworthy factor (visible in this picture) is that Persian Turquoise can have a host rock that appears as a darker, shiny metallic matrix. Remarkably, the matrix pattern can be identical to that of Bisbee. However, the host rock is different in color and gloss. Therefore, can you see this difference?

5 pound chunk of old Bisbee turquoise
5 pound chunk of old Bisbee turquoise

Lavender is the color that people commonly refer to as  the host rock, or surrounding rock of the turquoise.

Harrison Lavender is actually Phelps Dodge Vice-President and General Manager. The Lavender Pit name celebrates him, not the color of host rock.


Top Grade Bisbee Electric Blue
Top Grade Bisbee Electric Blue

Electric Blue, Smokey Blue, and Spiderweb are terms that describe variations of this turquoise. This turquoise comes  in vivid,  medium and pale blue. It even comes in green!  Generally speaking, the darker the blue, the more valuable the stone.

* Most noteworthy is the Electric Blue color of turquoise.


The condition of the turquoise is important.

  • Fractures in the surface of a turquoise cabochon is typically not the result of dynamite blasting at the mine. Consequently, they are actually the result of the stone cutter pushing too much pressure on the turquoise against the sanding wheel.
  • In addition, stabilized turquoise is typically less valuable than natural hard turquoise. Most turquoise is stabilized, otherwise it is too chalky and unstable to shape.
  • Finally, stone hardness and vivid color are two of the most important contributing factors to scarcity and therefor price.

  • To learn more about Bisbee Arizona turquoise history, please check out this other web page on this website!

  • In conclusion, turquoise is available through our SSL certified secure website: realturquoise.com 

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