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. Being aware that not all sellers are honest or knowledgeable is a good way to protect yourself. Education will add to your confidence in buying this variety of valuable turquoise.
Persian Turquoise
Most noteworthy, Persian Turquoise is the closest turquoise in appearance to Bisbee Turquoise. One thing to look for (visible in this picture) is that Persian Turquoise can have a host rock that appears as a darker, shiny (almost metallic) matrix. Remarkably, the matrix pattern can be identical to that of Bisbee. However, the host rock is different in color and gloss. Can you see this difference we’re talking about?
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
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.
* Here is the “Electric Blue” color of Bisbee turquoise.
The condition of the turquoise is important.
- Fractures in the surface of a Bisbee turquoise cabochon can be the result of dynamite blasting at the mine. Also, fractures can be 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. This particular of variety is formed in “glance conglomerate” rock, which by nature is unstable.
- Stone hardness and vivid color are two of the most important contributing factors to scarcity and therefor price.
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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: Tucsonturquoise.com
- Bisbee Turquoise & Bisbee Turquoise jewelry is available through:
Tucson Indian Jewelry.com
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