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​Turquoise, the new gold standard

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​ Bold. Vibrant. Versatile. Timeless. 
 
A priceless treasure of the Native Southwest, turquoise is truly a mineral rich in both value and history. The name turquoise is derived from the 17th century French phrase “pierre turquois”, meaning “a gemstone from Turkey”, due to the misconception that Turkey was the main source of these stones. In the Western Asian region, the turquoise market was once dominated by Persian imports. However, people today prefer the aesthetics of specimens that are found only in the southwestern United States. 
 
Specimens of United States turquoise were widely distributed throughout the Americas, found as far south as the Aztec empire where the Spaniards discovered the Aztecs valued turquoise (called chalchihuitl) more than gold. Throughout almost all indigenous tribes, turquoise is revered as a sacred stone with various mythological attributes depending on region. From an amulet used to prevent injuries in battle, to a bountiful yield found at the end of a rainbow after a storm; this stunning mineral continues to be treasured by collectors, jewelers, and native cultures who are captivated by it’s beauty.

Collect them all...we offer these unique specimens to choose from. Each one tells a story. Find yours here.
 
Tyrone Turquoise

• The Tyrone Mine is located in the Burro Mountains in southwestern New Mexico.
• John Coleman, aka “Turquoise John”, is credited with the discovery of this mine in the year 1875 during a hunting trip.
• Modern copper mining practices destroys turquoise, so no specimens have been collected from this area since the 1980’s.
• A unique characteristic of Tyrone Turquoise is it’s medium blue green tone and golden tan matrix, one of the most coveted colors on the market today.

 
Each individual specimen of our Tyrone Turquoise is guaranteed jewelry quality, with certificates of authenticity available per request. Looking for that unique southwestern charm? This is the mineral to add to your collection.
 
Cerrillos Turquoise

• The Cerrillos Turquoise Mines are located in the Cerrillos Hills, twenty miles southwest of Santa Fe.
• This particular type of turquoise was the most widely distributed variety in the past, and was mined using stone and antler tools.
• Because of the mining site’s significance in native history, many pueblo people of New Mexico have claimed ancient rights to the area.
• Colors vary greatly in Cerrillos Turquoise, the most common colors ranging from sky blue to pure green.

 
"To hold a piece of Cerrillos turquoise in your hands is to hold a piece of ancient history. Not only the natural history of the land, but the historical mining practices of our indigenous tribes of New Mexico."
 
Nevada Turquoise #8

• Number 8 turquoise comes from a mining claim located in the Lynn Mining District in Eureka County, Nevada.
• The largest nuggets of turquoise ever found were of the Number 8 variety. One specimen found in 1954 was 150 lbs of gem quality stone!
• This particular turquoise is a finite resource, all stones available today are from private storage.
• A unique aspect of Number 8 is its spider webbing matrix, as well as its light to dark blue coloration with varying hues of green.

 
"For serious collectors or simply that loved one who has it all, Number 8 turquoise would make an eye catching addition in any type of collection. The spiderwebbing matrix is unlike any other found throughout the various specimens of the world".
 
Nacozari Turquoise

• The location of the Nacozari Mine is located in northeastern Mexico.
• Some specimens of Nacozari Turquoise are found as freeform nuggets in deposits of clay, rather than veins located in mother stone.
• Aztec mythology credits the feathered serpent god Quetzalcóatl with introducing the polishing and mining techniques of this stone to the people.
• Distinguishing itself from other varieties, Nacozari turquoise most often can be found in varying hues of blue with little to no green tint.

 
"High grade specimens of Nacozari turquoise are not as abundant today, and once these are sold we will never be able to restock them again. Pieces like these are truly a once in a lifetime find that must not be overlooked!"
 
Red Hill Turquoise

• The Red Hill mine is located 225 miles southeast of Santa Fe, in Grant County, New Mexico.
• Mescalero Apache tribesmen called this stone duklij, and used it as a symbol of high status among their shamans.
• If a flaw in the matrix of the stone occurs for any reason, it is indigenous belief that the stone “took the blow” that was meant for the owner.
• Specimens of Red Hill Turquoise are identifiable by their traditional aquamarine to green tint, along with a dark gray matrix.

 
Red Hill Turquoise certainly holds its own as traditionally used for horse amulets, jewelry, and accents for the indigenous people’s weapons. Their belief attributed this specimen as being necessary for use in everyday life. It is highly recommended to have at least one in your collection!
 
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

• This mine is located in Gila County, Arizona.
• The Sleeping Beauty Mountain mine is named for the mountain’s resemblance to a woman laying on her back.
• Spanish conquistadores influenced the designs used in traditional Native American jewelry today.
• Known for little to no matrix in the stone setting, this stone is coveted for many types of jewelry.

 
Native Americans from the Zuni Pueblo highly favor this particular type of turquoise for it’s rich color and verisimilitude. The demand for the stone speaks to a high level of appreciation. Even budding rock and mineral hobbyists would be able to resonate and relate with one of these magnificent pieces.
 
Kingman Turquoise

• This specimen of turquoise comes from Mineral Park Mine, located 14 miles southwest of Kingman, Arizona.
• The owners of this mine have a patent on purple tinted turquoise specimens unlike any other seen around the world.
• Prehistoric indigenous tribes such as the Hohokam mined this turquoise as early as 600 a.d. .
• This rich blue color is often used as an industry standard, coveted for it’s rich hue and rare black matrix flecked with pyrite.

 
"Specimens of this particular mine are truly a prime example of industry standard. A vivid saturation of blue with a unique matrix sets the bare minimum requirements to determine whether or not a stone is to be used in a jewelry setting, or placed in a museum collection."

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Mexican Turquoise Ring

Tyrone Turquoise

Nugget

Nacozari Turquoise Rings

Cerrillos Turquoise

Arizona Turquoise Necklace with graduated stones in sterling silver

Visit touchstone gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico

On a visit to our Santa Fe touchstone gallery expect an adventure in shopping for some of the best in minerals and fossils that the Southwest has to offer. From accent tables made from large geodes to fossils collected from around the globe. Expect to see minerals of all descriptions and beautiful crystals of all varieties. We offer palm fossils as wall decor to personalize your decor to be uniquely your own.  Perhaps an amethyst coffee table is to your liking? We sell a variety of Megalodon teeth, meteorites, cave bear teeth, among the many fossils. Contemporary jewelry using colorful gemstones, fossils, and meteorites. Out of this world gifts, many under $25. 
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Find us one block west of the Santa Fe Plaza
Parking on street or in the parking garage across from the gallery.

Our Location:
127 W. San Francisco St. 
Santa Fe, NM 87501
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505-984-1682 

Hours: 
Monday-Sunday: 10am-7pm

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The best in gemstone minerals, fossils and contemporary jewelry can be found at the Santa Fe gallery.

Cave Bear Paw On Stand

$1,209.00

Sold out

Onyx Bowl with Natural Boydroidal Features

$2,173.00

Labradorite Oval Pendant.Sterling Silver

$132.00

Sapphire Multi Color Faceted Bracelet

$327.00

Tibetan Turquoise Bracelet

$415.00

Tiger Eye Earrings

$129.00

Polychrome Jasper Bracelet

$250.00

Rhodochrosite, Moonstone Oval Pendant

$176.00

Rhodochrosite with Garnet, Faceted Crystal

$176.00

Green Fluorite

$1,648.00

Moldavite,Meteorite Bracelet

$437.00

Meteorite Muonionalusta Round Cufflinks

$404.00

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