The Story Behind Bisbee’s Famous Turquoise

Turquoise is one of Arizona's most recognizable gemstones. Not only is it the state gemstone, but Arizona is also home to some of the rarest turquoise in the world. One of the state's most notable turquoises comes from Bisbee and is commonly referred to as Bisbee Blue.

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What's so special about turquoise from Bisbee?

Bisbee's turquoise is famous for a few reasons: its hardness, its unique matrix, and its unusually dark, saturated colors. The turquoise mined in Bisbee is a lot denser than most American turquoise. It takes polish very well, and holds detail beautifully.

According to the Durango Silver Company, Bisbee turquoise has a vibrant blue that is rarely seen in the turquoise market. It lacks the common green and yellow undertones seen in turquoise that contains iron and other materials. It also has a dark brown spiderweb pattern in it, which is another turquoise rarity.

READ: How Bisbee Became The Queen Of Copper Camps

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Unusual Mining History

Turquoise from the copper mines in Bisbee is extremely valuable; however, it was never intentionally mined. It was a common byproduct of the Lavender Pit, a major copper operation in Bisbee. Despite the abundance of turquoise, it wasn't considered a valuable gemstone at the time of operation and was treated as waste.

No turquoise company ever worked the deposit, and no organized extraction ever took place. However, the copper company didn't mind the miners taking the turquoise home. Miners pocketed pieces before they were crushed, sometimes going as far as filling their lunchboxes with it.

The Lavender Pit closed in 1974 and has been closed off ever since. Due to the lack of commercial turquoise mining, Bisbee Blue is not only special, but it is also extremely hard to come by.

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

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Modern Worth

Bisbee Blue is actually a trademarked name, and only the company that owns the trademark can call their turquoise that. Despite the trademark, turquoise mined in Bisbee is commonly referred to as Bisbee Blue.

Turquoise mined in Bisbee sells for impressively high prices. Small, clean pieces can reach several hundred dollars, while larger, higher quality stones can climb into the thousands.

Ornate silver ring featuring a vibrant blue turquoise gemstone

Today, Bisbee turquoise is valued not just for its color and density, but for its unusual origin story. Since it was never mined intentionally and hasn’t been accessible since 1974, every stone on the market is treated as one of a kind.

CONTINUE READING: Arizona Turquoise: History, Culture & The State Gemstone