Ask the Experts Turquoise Q&A

I need to identify and price turquoise I purchased in New Mexico 20 years ago. I do know that some pieces are Sleeping Beauty turquoise. What is the best approach to identifying this gemstone?

- Katz

In the past twenty years, so much turquoise has been mined and become scarce while other turquoise has become more available. Each mine produces a distinctive type of turquoise. Contact the American Gem Trade Association (a gem regulatory agency) to seek information on turquoise types mined in the Southwest United States.

If you are fortunate to visit the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in Tucson, Arizona which is held every year, you will still see a great variety and wonderful rough and finished examples of turquoise from all regions of the world. At the same time, you can get a great education about this precious gemstone. View our Guide to Turquoise for additional information. 

- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor