Turquoise is a beautiful stone that comes in many colors, from sky blue to green. The types of turquoise vary greatly, with some popular ones being Kingman turquoise, Royston turquoise, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.

Each type of turquoise has its own unique color and pattern, which makes it special. Some are bright and clear, while others are deep and have intricate designs.

We’ll explore the different types of turquoise and discover the places they come from. It’s exciting to learn about these beautiful stones and see all the variety they offer.

The 24 Different Types Of Turquoise And What They Look Like

Turquoise is a colorful gem that’s more than just a pretty stone. Each type of turquoise has its own unique hue, ranging from sky blue to lush green, and everything in between.

The appearance of turquoise can vary widely, with some stones showing smooth, even color and others featuring intricate patterns or matrices.

Lander Blue Turquoise

Lander Blue turquoise is famous for its striking, vivid blue color that captures attention right away. It’s known as one of the rarest and most valuable turquoises because of its rich hue and the dramatic matrix that runs through it.

The matrix in Lander Blue is typically a dark, spiderweb pattern that contrasts beautifully against the bright blue stone. This creates a stunning visual effect, making each piece unique and highly sought after by collectors and jewelry lovers.

Owning a piece of Lander Blue turquoise is really special because it’s not only beautiful but also incredibly rare.

Where you can find Lander Blue turquoise

Lander Blue turquoise is found exclusively at the Lander Blue mine, which is one of the most famous turquoise mines in Nevada. This mine is known for its small size but has gained a big reputation for the quality and rarity of the turquoise it produces.

The Lander Blue mine is no longer active, making its turquoise even more rare and valuable.

New Lander Turquoise

New Lander turquoise is known for its striking color palette that ranges from deep greens to vibrant blues, often in the same stone. The variety of colors makes it a standout gem, with each piece featuring unique shades and tones.

This type of turquoise is also characterized by its intricate, web-like matrix patterns. These can be black, brown, or golden, creating a beautiful contrast against the green or blue background.

Its distinct appearance makes it a favorite for creating unique and eye-catching jewelry that really stands out.

Where you can find New Lander turquoise

New Lander turquoise is primarily found in the New Lander mine, located in the state of Nevada, USA. The turquoise from this area is highly prized for its unique beauty and is often found in smaller quantities than other types.

Carico Lake Turquoise

Carico Lake turquoise is a stunning gem known for its vibrant and lively color. Its most striking feature is its wide range of colors, from light blue to bright lime green, depending on the minerals in the area where it’s mined.

The variation doesn’t stop at color; Carico Lake turquoise often has a beautiful, contrasting matrix of brown or black that weaves through the stone. This matrix pattern adds character and depth, making each piece uniquely beautiful.

People love Carico Lake turquoise for its bright, eye-catching appearance, perfect for making a statement piece of jewelry. Its rare and vibrant green hues are especially prized.

Where you can find Carico Lake turquoise

Carico Lake turquoise is found in the Carico Lake mine, which is situated in a mountainous region of Nevada. This mine is particularly famous for yielding high-quality turquoise, especially the distinctive bright blue and lime green varieties.

Bisbee Turquoise

Bisbee turquoise is renowned for its deep, rich blue color that often contains hints of green. It stands out for its “smoky” matrix, which is a web of dark lines adding depth and interest to each stone.

This turquoise is often found with a unique, heavy matrix, contrasting beautifully with its bright blue background. The patterns can range from light to dark, creating a striking visual effect that makes Bisbee turquoise easily recognizable.

Collectors and jewelry lovers prize Bisbee turquoise for its vibrant color and intricate matrix. Its rarity and distinctive appearance make it a valuable addition to any collection or a stunning centerpiece in jewelry pieces.

Where you can find Bisbee turquoise

Bisbee turquoise is primarily found in the Bisbee mine located in the southern part of Arizona. This mine has a long history of producing some of the finest turquoise, known for its deep blue color and intricate matrix patterns.

Due to its limited availability and the closing of the main part of the mine, Bisbee turquoise has become increasingly rare.

Kingman Turquoise

Kingman turquoise is well-loved for its vibrant and consistent hue, typically found in a range of sky blues to greenish-blues. It often showcases a beautiful, even color that makes it a favorite for artists and jewelers.

This type of turquoise is known for its “Kingman blue,” but it can also include a matrix of black, white, or silver that runs through the stone, adding unique patterns to each piece.

The variety in the matrix means no two Kingman turquoise stones are exactly alike, giving each a distinct personality.

Where you can find Kingman turquoise

Kingman turquoise is mined at the Mineral Park Mine near the city of Kingman in Arizona. This area is one of the oldest and largest turquoise mines in the country, known for its quality stones.

Number 8 Turquoise

Number 8 turquoise is recognized for its distinctive golden-brown to black, spider web matrix set against a backdrop of deep blue or green.

This striking contrast makes each piece uniquely beautiful and highly sought after by collectors and artists.

The hue of Number 8 turquoise can vary from light blue to a rich, darker shade, sometimes with a greenish tint. The intricate web-like matrix patterns provide a stunning visual that enhances the stone’s natural appeal.

This type of turquoise is not just known for its beauty but also for its rarity and value in the gem world.

Where you can find Number 8 turquoise

Number 8 turquoise is famously sourced from the Number 8 mine in Eureka County, Nevada. Although the mine is no longer active, the turquoise it produced during its operational years continues to be highly prized.

Morenci Turquoise

Morenci turquoise is known for its striking blue color that often has a hint of green. It’s easily identifiable by its iron pyrite matrix, which looks like shiny silver flecks throughout the stone.

The brightness and intensity of Morenci turquoise make it a standout gem. Its unique matrix patterns add a special character to each piece, differentiating it from other types of turquoise.

Jewelry makers and collectors value Morenci turquoise for its vibrant color and the way it catches the light. This stone is often set in silver or gold to highlight its natural beauty and distinctive features.

The value of turquoise varies widely based on its quality, rarity, and origin, with pieces like Morenci being particularly sought after.

Determining what turquoise is worth involves considering its color, matrix, size, and overall appeal, with the finest qualities fetching high prices in the gem market.

Where you can find Morenci turquoise

Morenci turquoise is extracted from the Morenci Copper Mine in Arizona, one of the largest copper mines in the state. This mine is known for producing turquoise with a distinctive color and quality.

Persian Turquoise

Persian turquoise is famous for its striking sky-blue color, often considered the most beautiful and vibrant shade of all turquoise. It usually has a uniform and intense blue hue, making it highly prized for its purity and natural beauty.

This type of turquoise typically lacks the matrix or veining common in other kinds, giving it a clean and smooth appearance. Its even color and texture give it a unique charm, reflecting the serene beauty of a clear, unclouded sky.

Thus, the appeal of Persian turquoise lies in its simplicity and the depth of its color.

Where you can find Persian turquoise

Persian turquoise, historically known and revered for centuries, originates from Iran. The country’s arid mountainous areas, particularly in the northeast, have been the source of this prized gemstone for over a thousand years.

Egyptian Turquoise

Egyptian turquoise is known for its unique range of colors, often displaying a softer, more opaque blue or green compared to other types. Its texture is typically less glossy, giving it a distinct, earthy appeal.

The color of Egyptian turquoise can vary from light green to a deeper, more vibrant blue. The variation creates a diverse palette, each with its own subtle charm and beauty.

This turquoise often has a matrix, but it’s usually more subtle and less pronounced than in other types. The matrix’s gentle interplay with the stone’s color adds depth and character, making each piece uniquely attractive.

Where you can find Egyptian turquoise

Egyptian turquoise is primarily extracted from the historic mines in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, an area that’s been a source of turquoise since at least 3000 BCE.

These mines are some of the oldest known in the world and were once very prolific in their production of the distinct blue-green stone.

Campitos Turquoise

Campitos turquoise is celebrated for its striking sky-blue color. This vibrant hue is typically consistent throughout the stone, giving it a clean and luminous look that’s eye-catching and beautiful.

Unlike many other turquoises, Campitos is often found with little to no matrix, which means it has very few of the vein-like inclusions that create patterns in other types.

When it does have a matrix, it’s usually a light, subtle webbing that complements the stone’s bright blue color rather than overpowering it.

Its unique brilliance and relatively uniform appearance make it a beloved gemstone, treasured for both its beauty and the vibrancy.

Where you can find Campitos turquoise

Campitos turquoise is primarily sourced from the Campitos mine located in Mexico, known for its large deposits of high-quality turquoise.

This region has been a significant source of the stone for many years, producing turquoise with a distinct, bright blue color that’s highly valued.

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is known for its solid, light robin’s egg blue color, which sets a standard for what turquoise looks like. It’s admired for its smooth, even blue color with little to no matrix, giving it a clean and pure appearance.

This type of turquoise is often used in jewelry because of its consistent color and hardness. Its uniformity makes it especially desirable for pieces that need a sleek, polished look, like earrings and pendants.

The appeal of Sleeping Beauty turquoise lies in its simple elegance and vibrant color. It’s a favorite among those who appreciate the serene beauty of a clear blue sky, captured in a precious stone.

Where you can find Sleeping Beauty turquoise

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is sourced from the Sleeping Beauty Mine located in Globe, Arizona. This mine is renowned for its large quantity of turquoise, particularly the type that boasts an even, light blue color. 

Blue Gem Turquoise

Blue Gem turquoise is known for its diverse color palette, ranging from deep green to all shades of blue. Each piece showcases a unique vibrancy, often set against a contrasting matrix of black or brown.

The stone’s surface varies from a smooth, waxy finish to a slightly textured feel, reflecting light in a way that highlights its rich color. This variety ensures that no two pieces of Blue Gem turquoise look exactly the same.

Its natural luster and color depth make Blue Gem turquoise a visually stunning stone. The interplay of color and matrix patterns gives it a dynamic appearance.

Where you can find Blue Gem turquoise

Blue Gem turquoise is primarily extracted from the Blue Gem mine, which is located near Battle Mountain in Nevada. This mine has a reputation for producing a wide variety of turquoise, especially known for its rich blue and green colors.

Red Mountain Turquoise

Red Mountain turquoise is distinct for its deep blue color with a reddish-brown or dark brown matrix. This striking matrix creates a bold contrast that’s unique to this type of turquoise.

The texture of Red Mountain turquoise can range from smooth to slightly porous, enhancing the stone’s natural color and pattern. Its hues can vary from light sky blue to deep ocean blue, each with its own unique appeal.

The natural variations in color and pattern ensure that every piece of Red Mountain turquoise is a one-of-a-kind gem.

Where you can find Red Mountain turquoise

Red Mountain turquoise comes from the Red Mountain mine located in Nevada. The turquoise from this area is especially notable for its rich color and unique matrix patterns.

Fox Turquoise

Fox turquoise is recognized for its deep blue to green hues, making it a visually striking variety of turquoise. Its color is often complemented by a darker matrix that adds a bold contrast to the stone’s overall appearance.

The surface of Fox turquoise can range from a smooth, polished look to a more natural, textured finish. This variation in texture plays with light in different ways, enhancing the depth and richness of the stone’s color.

Fox turquoise typically has a bright, vibrant color that stands out in any setting. It’s these rich colors and contrasting matrix patterns that make Fox turquoise a popular choice for those who appreciate the natural beauty of turquoise.

Where you can find Fox turquoise

Fox turquoise is primarily extracted from the Fox Mine, which is one of Nevada’s most productive and famous turquoise mines. The region is known for the distinctive quality and color variation of its turquoise, especially the deep greens and rich blues.

Lone Mountain Turquoise

Lone Mountain turquoise is famous for its deep, rich blue color that’s often compared to the blue of a clear sky. It’s recognized for its ability to maintain this color over time, not fading as some other turquoise might.

The stone often features a striking spider web matrix of black or dark brown, which beautifully contrasts the blue. This intricate matrix pattern adds a unique touch to each piece, making it highly sought after for its aesthetic appeal.

Collectors prize Lone Mountain turquoise for its rarity and the exceptional quality it represents. Its enduring color and distinctive matrix make it a favorite for high-end jewelry.

Where you can find Lone Mountain turquoise

Lone Mountain turquoise comes from the Lone Mountain turquoise mine located in Nevada. The mine has a long-standing reputation for producing stones with the beautiful sky-blue color and striking matrix patterns.

Damale Turquoise

Damale turquoise, also known as Damele turquoise, is known for its distinctive bright green to yellow-green color. It often contains a matrix of brown or golden webbing, which adds depth and character to each piece.

This variety of turquoise is celebrated for its rarity and the vibrant, almost electric, hues it displays. The unique coloring comes from the specific mineral content in the area it is mined, giving it a special place among gemstone lovers.

Jewelry made with Damale turquoise stands out because of its unusual color and the striking contrast provided by its matrix.

Where you can find Damale turquoise

Damale turquoise is primarily sourced from the Damale mine, located in a remote area of Nevada. The mine’s limited production and the distinct color and quality of its stones make Damale turquoise a precious find.

Indian Mountain Turquoise

Indian Mountain turquoise is noted for its striking shades of blue and green, often intermixed within the same piece. The stone’s color can vary from a deep, forest green to a sky blue, offering a wide array of hues.

The matrix of Indian Mountain turquoise is typically dark, creating a bold contrast against the lighter turquoise background. This contrast adds a dramatic effect to the stone, enhancing its natural beauty.

The smooth finish of Indian Mountain turquoise allows its colors to shine brightly, making it a visually appealing stone.

Where you can find Indian Mountain turquoise

Indian Mountain turquoise is primarily found in the Indian Mountain Mine, located near the Lander County and Eureka County line in Nevada.

Cripple Creek Turquoise

Cripple Creek turquoise is known for its unique and striking appearance, making it a favorite among rock collectors and jewelry makers. It stands out with its rich blue hues, which can range from a light sky blue to a deep, dark blue.

What sets Cripple Creek turquoise apart is the presence of intricate webbing or matrix patterns. These patterns are typically black or brown and create beautiful contrasts against the turquoise background.

In addition to its color and matrix, Cripple Creek turquoise often has a certain level of hardness that is well-suited for crafting into jewelry.

Where you can find Cripple Creek turquoise

Cripple Creek turquoise is primarily mined in the Cripple Creek district of Colorado. This area is renowned for its turquoise deposits and has been a significant source for many years.

Royston Turquoise

Royston turquoise is a captivating gemstone known for its vibrant range of colors. It typically showcases shades of green, blue, and sometimes a mix of both in a single piece.

The unique aspect of Royston turquoise is the presence of a heavy, brown matrix that weaves through the stone. This matrix adds a distinctive character, making each piece of Royston turquoise one-of-a-kind.

Alongside its color diversity, Royston turquoise is also appreciated for its texture and durability. This makes it a popular choice for jewelry makers who want to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting.

Where you can find Royston turquoise

Royston turquoise is primarily mined in the Royston mining district, which is located in Nevada. This district has been a significant source of turquoise for many years, attracting rockhounds from all over.

For those interested in exploring more about turquoise and other minerals, the Royston area is just one of many exciting locations. Check out our guide to the best rockhounding locations to discover more places where you can find amazing rocks and minerals.

Blue Ridge Turquoise

Blue Ridge turquoise is known for its delightful range of blue hues, from light sky blue to deeper shades. The colors are often accompanied by a lighter or sometimes dark matrix that enhances the stone’s overall appearance.

The surface of Blue Ridge turquoise can be polished to a high shine, bringing out the vibrancy of its colors. This polishing also highlights the intricate patterns of the matrix, adding to the stone’s visual appeal.

The beauty of Blue Ridge turquoise lies in its soothing blue tones and the way it reflects light. It’s these characteristics that make it a sought-after variety of turquoise, known for its calming and appealing colors.

Where you can find Blue Ridge turquoise

Blue Ridge turquoise is primarily extracted from the Blue Ridge mine located in Lander County, Nevada.

Apache Blue Turquoise

Apache Blue turquoise is distinguished by its deep and vibrant blue color, which can range from a bright sky blue to a rich navy. It often has a glossy sheen that makes the color pop and catch the eye.

This type of turquoise typically features a dark matrix, creating a beautiful contrast that accentuates the blue. The matrix patterns can be intricate and varied, adding depth and interest to the stone.

Apache Blue turquoise’s striking blue color makes it a popular choice for those seeking a bold and beautiful gemstone. Its vivid hue and contrasting matrix combine to create a visually stunning piece that stands out in any setting.

Where you can find Apache Blue turquoise

Apache Blue turquoise is sourced from the Apache Blue mine in Nevada, known for its small-scale operations that focus on high-quality turquoise.

Pilot Mountain Turquoise

Pilot Mountain turquoise is recognized for its wide range of colors, typically featuring shades from blue to green. The stone often has a rich, deep color that makes it stand out.

This turquoise type is known for its distinct matrix, usually a dark or light brown that weaves through the stone. The matrix adds a unique pattern to each piece, creating a beautiful contrast against the turquoise.

The beauty of Pilot Mountain turquoise lies in its depth of color and the dramatic effect of its matrix. These features combine to make it a visually appealing stone, desired for its color richness and natural patterns.

Where you can find Pilot Mountain turquoise

Pilot Mountain turquoise is primarily found in the Pilot Mountain mine, which is located in Nevada.

For those interested in exploring more about turquoise and other gems, the Pilot Mountain area is just one example of the many fascinating gem mining locations.

Check out our guide on gem mining for more information and tips on where to find a gem mine near you.

Candelaria Turquoise

Candelaria turquoise is known for its exceptional quality and stunning appearance, making it a prized find among rock enthusiasts. It typically exhibits a deep, vibrant blue color that is both striking and highly sought after in the world of gemstones.

One of the defining features of Candelaria turquoise is its intense spiderweb matrix, which creates intricate patterns across the stone. This matrix, usually black or dark brown, contrasts beautifully with the turquoise blue, adding to its visual appeal.

Candelaria turquoise also tends to have a high level of hardness, which is ideal for crafting into jewelry. Its durability, combined with its unique color and pattern, makes it a favorite choice for creating eye-catching and long-lasting pieces.

Where you can find Candelaria turquoise

Candelaria turquoise is extracted from the Candelaria Hills in Nevada, where the Candelaria Mine is located. This mine is renowned for its high-quality turquoise, including the distinctive Candelaria variety.

Blue Diamond Turquoise

Blue Diamond turquoise is distinguished by its remarkable color and texture, making it a standout among turquoise varieties. It typically displays a deep blue hue, sometimes with a hint of green, which gives it a vibrant and attractive appearance.

One of the key characteristics of Blue Diamond turquoise is its dense, black matrix that creates striking patterns across the stone. This matrix adds depth and character to the turquoise, enhancing its natural beauty.

In terms of texture, Blue Diamond turquoise is known for its smoothness and consistency, making it a great choice for jewelry making.

Where you can find Blue Diamond turquoise

Blue Diamond turquoise is sourced from the Blue Diamond mine, which is located near Battle Mountain in Lander County, Nevada.