Turquoise can be tricky to find, but that’s part of the fun. To find turquoise in Colorado, it’s important to know where to look. It’s often tucked away in rocky outcrops or hidden among debris near old mines.
Dry, arid regions are especially good spots to poke around. It’s like a game of hide-and-seek with the earth, where being observant and patient pays off with a nice chunk of turquoise.
The state is full of rocks and minerals, and we have a guide to help you. It’s a handy resource for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and mine gems in Colorado.
What Is Colorado Turquoise Anyway?
Turquoise is a vibrant stone that ranges from blue to green and carries a unique charm. Identifying turquoise involves looking for its signature color and the veins that often run through it, known as its matrix.
This gem forms under special conditions and is often discovered in rocky areas, mountainous regions, or places where miners have left behind rich mineral deposits.
It loves to settle in cracks or voids within rocks, where it has the space to grow over time.
Mining for turquoise requires patience, as it’s not always easy to spot.The value of turquoise varies widely. What turquoise is worth depends on several factors, like its color, where it comes from, and how rare it is.
The Types Of Turquoise Found In Colorado
Turquoise is one of the cool rocks that Colorado is known for. This state is a big playground for anyone who loves to spot different kinds of this colorful gem. Each piece has its own pattern, like a fingerprint, making it unique.
You can find different kinds of turquoise in Colorado, typically named for the mine they’re extracted from. Here are the types of turquoise you can come across in the state:
- King’s Manassa turquoise
- Last Chance turquoise
- Cripple Creek turquoise
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice geode enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Turquoise in Colorado
Finding turquoise can be a real challenge, even for the most eager rock hunters. It’s a gem that hides in the nooks and crannies of the wild outdoors, making the search a true adventure.
Knowing how to find turquoise in Colorado is important because the right tips can turn a tough search into a successful discovery. With some expert advice and a keen eye, anyone can learn the tricks to uncovering this gem.
Rio Grande County
Rio Grande County is a place of diverse landscapes. The terrain here is a mix of fertile agricultural lands and rugged mountainous areas, with the Rio Grande River carving its path through the valley.
The mountains are home to a variety of stones, and among them might be the sought-after Colorado turquoise.
The county’s geology tells a story of volcanic activity, with remnants of lava flows and ash beds hinting at a fiery past.
For those who dream of exploring the county and collecting rocks and minerals, it’s important to remember that there are rules to follow.
The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety sets the guidelines for rockhounding, ensuring that both the environment and the joy of discovery are preserved.
So, before heading out with your hammer and bag, a quick check with them will make sure you’re collecting responsibly and legally.
Where we found turquoise in Rio Grande County
In Rio Grande County, turquoise is known to come from places like the Little Annie Mine and the Summitville Mine.
Creede
Creede started as a silver mining boom town, once bustling with over 10,000 residents due to the mining rush. This town, which sprawls along East Willow Creek, was the site of continuous mining operations from 1890 to 1985.
The terrain here is steeped in mining history, with the town originally forming around the junction of East Willow and West Willow Creeks.
Geographically, Creede sits near the Rio Grande’s headwaters, a river that carves its way through the San Juan Mountains and the San Luis Valley.
The river and its tributary streams have shaped the valley’s development, supporting both farming and ranching. These waterways, along with the surrounding wilderness, provide a scenic backdrop to the area’s rich geology.
Where we found turquoise in Creede
In Creede, turquoise can be unearthed at the Last Chance Mine, which sits within the Creede Mining District. This mine has a history of yielding turquoise and it’s a spot where to mine for turquoise.
Explorers in Creede will find turquoise deposits 1.5 miles north of town, where the mineral can be spotted on both sides of the west branch of Willow Creek.
This creek area is known to be a natural habitat for turquoise, providing a real-world treasure hunt for those who visit.
Saguache County
Saguache County is a vast expanse, stretching over 3,170 square miles, and it’s known for its diverse natural features. The geology is a mix, adding to the region’s rich tapestry of natural beauty.
This variety in terrain brings about a rich mix of soils and a variety of rocks beneath the surface, making it a fascinating place for geology buffs.
The area’s geology includes a blend of volcanic remnants, sedimentary layers, and crystalline formations, providing a diverse habitat for a wide range of minerals.
Where we found turquoise in Saguache County
In Saguache County, the Villa Grove Turquoise Mine once operated, although it’s known that the mine isn’t producing anymore.
There are also some turquoise prospects along Cotton Creek, where the natural conditions are favorable for mineral formation.
La Jara
La Jara is a small community known for its laid-back lifestyle and scenic surroundings. With a population of just over 800 residents, it’s a place where nature takes center stage.
The town is situated at an elevation of 7,605 feet, nestled between important transport routes and near the New Mexico border.
Its geography is a mix of quiet, rolling plains and the remnants of volcanic activity, which shape the surrounding landscape. The terrain here is a geologist’s playground, with flatlands giving way to rocky outcrops and hidden mineral deposits.
The geology of La Jara includes a fascinating combination of sedimentary formations and igneous rocks, providing clues to the area’s volcanic history and creating a patchwork of geological wonders.
Where we found turquoise in La Jara
The key to how to find turquoise in Colorado, especially in La Jara, is exploring the landscape 9.8 miles east-northeast of the town, where the conditions have been favorable for turquoise formation.
Close to the mesa known as Piñon Mountain and 1.5 miles west of the Rio Grande River, the environment has helped create spots where turquoise might be discovered.
On both sides of Piñon Mountain, the terrain offers promising areas for those with a keen eye for spotting this sought-after mineral.
Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek sits nestled among rolling hills and rugged mountains. The landscape here is a patchwork of rocky terrain and wildflower-filled meadows, with a network of streams that glitter under the sun.
This area is famous for its rich geology; it’s part of the region’s extensive gold mining history and has a complex underground network of veins filled with a variety of minerals.
The geology of Cripple Creek is unique due to the volcanic activity that shaped it millions of years ago. This has created a diverse range of rocks and minerals, with old mines dotting the landscape, hinting at the area’s bustling past.
Where we found turquoise in Cripple Creek
In Cripple Creek, the Elkhorn claim, Florence Mine, O’Haver claim, and Roanoke shaft are among the sites where one could find turquoise in Colorado.
Also, while the Victor Gold Mine is mainly a source for gold, it has also been known to occasionally yield turquoise as a byproduct.
It’s important to note that these mines and claims are typically on private property, and anyone looking to explore or collect would need to secure permission first.
Other Great Places To Find Colorado Turquoise
Colorado is home to several spots where you can find the eye-catching turquoise. From the historic mining towns to the quiet, hidden corners of the state, these places are rich with geological wonders.
Whether you’re trekking through the mountains or exploring the valleys, keep your eyes peeled for this cool blue treasure. Here are some areas where your search for turquoise might just pay off.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Conejos County | King Turquoise Mine, Manassa |
| Eagle County | Holy Cross Mining District (Eagle River Mining District) |
| Lake County | Leadville Turquoise Mine |
| Lake County | Josie May Mine |
| Lake County | Turquoise Chief Mine (Poor Boy) |
| Lake County | Sugarloaf Mining District |
Common Turquoise-Hunting Questions
Many people get curious about Colorado turquoise and often ask similar questions about it. They want to know the best spots to find it and how to tell if they’ve found a real piece.
Others are interested in the history of turquoise mining in the state and how it’s done today. Knowing these common curiosities helps us share the excitement and knowledge of Colorado’s natural treasures.
Is it illegal to collect turquoise in Colorado?
Collecting turquoise in Colorado is legal, but there are specific rules you have to stick to. On public lands, people are allowed to gather small quantities for personal use.
Always double-check the local guidelines because they can vary from place to place, and sometimes you might need a permit.
When it comes to private lands, you have to have permission from the owner before you can collect any turquoise or other minerals. Some private landowners might let you search for a fee.
The Best Places To Buy Turquoise In Colorado
If you’re on the hunt for turquoise, Colorado has some top-notch shops where you can find this cool stone. These shops offer a range of turquoise pieces, usually in beautifully crafted jewelry. Here are our favorites:
- Southwest Silver Company – 952 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Velez Galleries – 2506 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Barefoot Native Jewelry – 738 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Chimayo Turquoise – 414 W Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863
- Zuni – 1424 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
