Turquoise is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral used in jewelry. It has been mined since at least 6000 Bc by Egyptians. Like other opaque such as coral, turquoise is ordinarily sold by the size in millimeters rather than by weight.
Turquoise is normally found sandstone layers and can be seen as splotches or as a network of brown or black veins running through the sandstone. There are many small-scale mining operations that are worked by hand. Only one mine in Apache Canyon California operates at a commercial capacity today.
Turquoise
With a hardness of just under 6, about the hardness of window glass, this gemstone takes a good polish. It comes in white, blue, green, brown, yellow and all of the shades in between. The value of the turquoise you will find is considered by the richness of color. Robin's egg is normally the most valuable. The more of a green hug or lightening of color will decrease the value. Turquoise should never be soft or chalky in color.
Turquoise is typically found in the arid regions of the world and some high quality gemstones have been found in the Southwest United States such as Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.
More that 120 mines have produced requisite quantities of gem quality turquoise in Nevada. Nevada mines are primarily worked for the gemstone as apposed to other mining areas where turquoise is normally the succeed of the by product of other mining activities. The geological formation of Nevada turquoise, it is hard and dense and normally does not wish any rehabilitation or enhancements to be used in jewelry.
The Royston mining district located near Tonapah, Nevada conducts tours of the mining facility Wednesday through Saturday excluding holidays. For 0 per man you will get a pail to fill up by picking through the tailing piles. You will need to bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, water, and a good pair of shoes.
The mines in Royston have been in performance since 1902 and by 1915 over ,000,000 worth of turquoise has been removed from the mines. It was believed to have been the largest single producing turquoise mine in America at that time.
The Otteson's Mine also offers mine tours, Wednesday through Friday excluding holidays. For per man you will get a pail to fill up by picking through the tailing piles.
Turquoise is found throughout the Southwest United States. always experience the states Bureau of Land supervision for any fees or permit requirements before treasure hunting on communal land. Also get permission from any land owners before hunting on incommunicable property.
In Arizona turquoise has been found near Albuquerque, Bisbee, Cave Creek, Globe, Kingman, Turquoise and Birdeyes mountains.
In California turquoise has been found in San Bernardo, Imperial, and Inyo counties.
In Colorado, hunt Conejos, Lake, El Paso and Saguache Counties.
In Nevada, hunt Clark, Elko, Esmeralda County, Eureka, Lander, Mineral County and Nye counties.
New Mexico, Eddy, Grant, Otero, and Santa Fe counties.
Tools you will need to hunt for turquoise; Pick Axe, rock hammer, gloves, protection glasses, bucket. Remember you are searching arid regions of the world so proper clothing is a must. Wear clothing in layers because weather can change very rapidly in these areas. Water, hat and a good sunscreen is a must.
Happy Treasure Hunting.
Treasure Hunting For TurquoiseTags : The Bests Rings
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