What is gold matrix turquoise?

Matrix is the term used to describe the contrasting material in a parent rock – usually turquoise. Matrix can be thick channels or delicate fine lines like a spiderweb. Spiderweb Matrix in #8 Turquoise. It is usually made of iron pyrite and can look like fleks, spots or distinct veins.

What does matrix mean in turquoise?

The turquoise matrix is the term used to describe the remaining host material found in turquoise stones. This material can be a wide range of elements from quartz to metallic pyrite to sandstone, each adding unique qualities to the final stone.

What minerals are found near turquoise?

Turquoise often contains embedded shiny Pyrite flakes, or may contain black oxide veins running through it. It is sometimes intergrown together with other secondary copper materials, especially Chrysocolla. Turquoise may also form as a pseudomorph of other minerals such as Apatite, Beryl, and feldspars.

What turquoise is most valuable?

The most-prized turquoise color is an even, intense, medium blue, sometimes referred to as robin’s egg blue or sky blue in the trade. The traditional source for this color is the Nishapur district of Iran, so you’ll also hear it described as “Persian blue,” whether or not it was actually mined in Iran.

What is Morenci turquoise?

Morenci Turquoise is mined in southeastern Arizona, in Greenlee County. It is light blue to high blue in color. Morenci has an unusual matrix of irregular black pyrite, or fool’s gold; when polished, the pyrite often looks like silver. It also is sometimes webbed in a darker shade of blue, called water webbed.

What turquoise has pyrite?

Morenci Turquoise was mined in Greenlee County in southeastern Arizona out of a large metal mine operation. Morenci is highly prized for its beautiful blue colors, which vary from a light to a very dark blue. Also for its unusual matrix of iron pyrite or “fool’s gold” that when polished often resembles silver.

Why is Sleeping Beauty turquoise so expensive?

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is revered and highly sought after due to its pure sky blue color which shows very little to no veining or webbing. The highly sought after stone has made a tremendous impact on the history of over the years.

Where is turquoise most commonly found?

Turquoise has been mined all over North America for hundreds of years, but its richest deposits have always been found primarily in the southwestern states of Arizona and Nevada. California has also been a popular source of the opaque blue gemstone over the years, with mines found in San Bernardino and Inyo Counties.

What is Manassa turquoise?

Manassa turquoise has rich, brilliant greens and gold matrix. Blue and blue-green turquoise originate from these deposits as well. Kingman mine is in Mohave County in western Arizona. The copper mining in the Mineral Park Mining District around Kingman produces a larger supply of turquoise throughout the years.

What is Red Mountain turquoise?

Red Mountain turquoise has an intricate, often red spider web matrix. King’s Manassa turquoise is of Manassa, Conejos County, Colorado. Manassa turquoise has rich, brilliant greens and gold matrix. Blue and blue-green turquoise originate from these deposits as well. Kingman mine is in Mohave County in western Arizona.

Does Sleeping Beauty turquoise have a matrix?

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise with applied black matrix replacing the natural white matrix. The Sleeping Beauty mine was located near Globe, Arizona. Its turquoise is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. The mine has been closed for over 10 years.

What are the best turquoise varieties on the market?

One of the hottest new Turquoise varieties on the market in 2019/2020 is called Sonoran Gold. This beautiful turquoise comes in an aqua blue, lime green, and a two tone blue and green. It features beautiful golden to brown matrix.