Blue Turquoise and White Buffalo Turquoise

Blue turquoise forms where there is copper present, which is the case with most Arizona turquoise. Green turquoise forms where iron is present, the case with most Nevada turquoise. Blue turquoise represents the blue of Father Sky and Water. The Native Americans believed it to be a protective stone and a bestower of goodness. It has been known as a healer in the physical and spiritual worlds.

The chemical name for turquoise is Aluma Phosphate, which in its pure chemical state is white. Turquoise takes on color via an intrusion of either copper or iron. In the case of Dry Creek ore, the slight coloration, when present, is the result of copper. The more intrusion, the darker the color.

When discovered in the Dry Creek Mine north of Austin, Nevada in 1993, they were not sure what it was. Because of the hardness, it was decided to have it analyzed and their suspicions proved correct. It was white turquoise! Although however, it was not used in jewelry until 1996.

White turquoise forms where there are no heavy metals present, which turn out to be a very rare occurrence. To date, no other vein of gem quality white turquoise has been discovered anywhere else in the world. When this current vein runs dry, that will be the last of it. Because white turquoise is as rare as white buffaloes, the Indians have named it 'White Buffalo Turquoise'. The white turquoise is itself considered sacred and powerful. The jewelry making is an honoring or tribute to the 'White Buffalo' with this turquoise.

All turquoise jewelry items are handmade by various American Indian artists.
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