Blog Post

Turquoise, Composition and History

Wendy Lippman • Oct 16, 2017

Turquoise, Composition and History Part 1

Cocopah , Arizona’s oldest bead store, is committed to dealing in historic, ethnic and rare beads. Turquoise has always been the most significant bead we represent. It was an intricate part of the history, lore and trade of Pre-Columbian Indians in the Southwest and along the ancient trade routes to South America. As all the mines but Kingman have closed, it has become yet more precious and costly. Imitation materials are sold everywhere as Turquoise. Visitors constantly ask us how to tell the real from the fake. We want to share with you some fascinating information about this mythic stone.

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, formed by water seeping into rock flush with phosphorous, aluminum and copper. It usually forms near copper deposits. This mineral-rich water occupies cavities in the rock and, when it evaporates, leaves Turquoise created from a mix of these components and other local elements that will ultimately affect the hue. Turquoise forms in a diverse range of color from pale to deep blue and dark green, due to the addition of local trace elements. Most Turquoise mines are located in dry desert areas such as the Southwestern United States, Iran, China, and Afghanistan.

The documented history of Turquoise dates to approximately 4000 BC and the Turquoise mines of northeastern Persia. Gem quality Turquoise has been located in the burial sites of Persian nobles from that region. The most fabled Egyptian mine dates to 3000 BC, located on the Sinai Penisula in an area known Serabit el-Khadim. This mine supplied pharaohs and royalty with gemstones for jewelry and artifacts. Turquoise jewelry has been unearthed in almost all significant burials of Egyptian royalty since the beginning of archaeological excavation in Egypt.

The word 'Turquoise' comes from the French term, pierre turquoise, meaning gemstone from Turkey. In the 17th century, French traders found quantities of excellent Turquoise in the bazaars of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir and assumed that Turkey was the source. Much later they discovered that it was mined in Persia.

As late as the early 20th century, there were more than 40 mines producing Turquoise in the American states of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado. At the present time, only the mine at Kingman, Arizona is in full operation. In September 2012, the Sleeping Beauty mine unexpectedly shut down because it was mined out. There is speculation that if they can dig down another one thousand feet, there might be more. This is uncertain and the price to continue mining is prohibitive. In 1960, the legendary #8 Spiderweb Turquoise mine in Nevada stopped production. Originally, it had just been called the #8 mine, but Native Americans called it '#8 Spiderweb' and the name stuck. In Native American culture, #8 Spiderweb is the most desired of all the Turquoises ever mined in the Southwest. The delicate pattern of the matrix (deposits of mineral or rock that form patterns in the Turquoise) is highly desirable and the true turquoise color of the stone is most remarkable. It is interesting to note here that while Europeans and East Coast Americans often desire the pristine robin's egg blue of Persian Turquoise with its lack of matrix, Tibetans and Native Americans favor a Turquoise with interesting patterns of matrix.

Please check back or sign up for our newsletter posts to receive segment two and three of the History of Turquoise....all items and additional information is available and provided by Cocopah at Tlaquepaque.

24 Apr, 2023
A TRIBUTE TO MEXICAN ART & CULTURE SATURDAY, MAY 6 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
By Wendy Lippman 24 Oct, 2022
THE ART OF CELEBRATION & REMEMBRANCE OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 2 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
17 Sep, 2021
Although the pandemic continues, Tlaquepaque is moving forward with the planning for this year's Day of the Dead festivities. We are evaluating the current health situtation daily and value the safety of our guests, merchants, and community. We ask that you check our website at tlaq.com/events before October 27 to monitor updates. Tlaquepaque is an open-air venue; however, all attendees will need to manage social distancing and masking accordingly.
By Wendy Lippman 22 Mar, 2021
Events at Tlaquepaque are made all the more memorable by the event planning and food the guests enjoy. Whether attending an engagement party or wedding, the beauty of Tlaquepaque’s architecture and grounds is enhanced when the guest’s culinary experience is as artful and delightful as the surroundings. Here are a couple of our exclusive vendors who make that possible.
By Wendy Lippman 03 Dec, 2020
Tune in this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 @ 5:30 P.M. to watch our annual tree-lighting ceremony being held this year on TLAQUEPAQUE'S FACEBOOK PAGE . Santa Claus will join us for this pre-recorded event and the Mayor of Sedona will light the twenty-six foot traditional Christmas Tree on display at Tlaquepaque North. Event is co-sponsored by the Sedona Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OR CALL tlaq.com (928) 282-4838
By Wendy Lippman 30 Oct, 2020
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village has provided the perfect setting for south of the border fiestas, festivals, and cultural extravaganzas for the last four decades. Unfortunately, this year we are dealing with the unprecedented COVID pandemic and must pause our highly attended Day of the Dead celebration. There's good news though! Our annual Marigold Mural project is back this year with a NEW SAFE AND EXCITING FORMAT. Join us on Wednesday, November 4 through Saturday, November 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Calle Independencia. This project is unique to Tlaquepaque and an artful way to remember your loved ones. The artist Lovejoy will be in attendance again this year, handing out markers as she guides and answers questions regarding the mural and your contributions. Face masks and sanitizer will also be available for those who need them.
By Wendy Lippman 04 Sep, 2020
The Micro-Wedding Plan a bite-sized version of a traditional wedding and celebrate with 50 or fewer of your closest friends and family. Usually, a shorter timeline (3 hours instead of 5), these intimate events still include a ceremony and celebration with flowers, cake, music, and more, and can be designed to your liking. Bonuses: More time to spend with each of your guests A more affordable solution or an opportunity to allocate money to the things you care about the most (you no longer have 150 people coming, so you can spend more money on your dress!) Less to plan and manage which can mean less stress For the eco-conscious, a smaller carbon footprint
By Wendy Lippman 05 May, 2020
Since you can't come to us to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, we're bringing memories of past celebrations to you. Enjoy!
By Wendy Lippman 04 May, 2020
JOIN US TOMORROW TO CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO WITH GAETANO ON FACEBOOK LIVE!
By Wendy Lippman 14 Apr, 2020
Bursts of color from fragrant seasonal blossoms, sycamores reaching up to the sky, beautifully landscaped plazas and pathways — these are some of the first things that captivate visitors when they come to Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. Although we are currently closed, our incredible crew continues to work to ensure this Arizona state gem is ready and flourishing when we reopen.
More Posts
Share by: