Why Turquoise Became Arizona’s Official State Gemstone!

Turquoise has always been my favorite gemstone. Its vibrant colors stand out, and you can always seem to find a store selling it here in Arizona. This gemstone has a deep cultural history, and despite its rarity, there have been multiple turquoise mines across the state! As it turns out, all of this history and beauty led to turquoise being officially named Arizona’s state gemstone.

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What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is iconic for it's beautiful blue and green hues, which take years to form. Turquoise is created when water containing copper and aluminum seeps into copper rich rocks, depositing minerals in cracks and crevasses. This process takes years, making turquoise a valuable material.

Copper ions are responsible for the blue shade in turquoise, and Aluminum and phosphorus contribute to the green and yellow colors. Iron impurities can also cause the mineral to take on a greener tone. Bisbee, Arizona is home to one of the highest qualities turquoises in the world, commonly referred to as "Bisbee Blue".

READ ABOUT THE LAVENDAR PIT: What Makes The Lavender Pit In Bisbee A Unique Attraction?

blue and green stone fragment

Spiritual Significance

Across many native American cultures in Arizona, Turquoise is considered a spiritually significant material. For the Navajo, it represents protection and harmony, often connected to the sky and life‑giving rain. The Apache believe turquoise can enhance aim and guide warriors, symbolizing strength and good fortune. The Hopi associate it with balance, renewal, and the sacred connection between earth and water.

Turquoise appears in native jewelry, prayer objects, and traditional art. These deep cultural meanings helped shape why turquoise ultimately became Arizona’s state gemstone, reflecting both the land and the people who have cherished it for generations.

READ: What Arizona's State Motto 'Ditat Deus' Actually Means

silver ring on brown surface

Arizona's State Gemstone

Arizona was a major producer of turquoise for decades. In the 70's, Arizona was producing over 100,000 pounds of turquoise annually. In 1974, Arizona officially designated turquoise as its state gemstone.

The decision to make turquoise the state gemstone came from the Arizona State Legislature. It was chosen in order to honor the mining industry's impact on local economy, while also honoring the native heritage common throughout the state.

RELATED: Arizona’s State Dinosaur, the Sonorasaurus.

a blue rock with white spots

Turquoise has been a prominent part of Arizona's culture and mining history for centuries. From ancient symbolism to iconic mines and modern artistry, the stone reflects the desert’s beauty and Arizona as a whole.

CONTINUE READING: Arizona's State Mammal, The Ringtail, Explained