At Palettes and Petals, I'm all about gemstones that have a story to tell, and turquoise is one of those stones that has captivated me for a very long time.
My story with turquoise begins with my mom who was born on a reservation in Arizona, and therefore grew up with a love for that southwestern style of silver and turquoise. Over the years my mom had given me a few pieces, including a few rings I loved and wore often.
Before my grandma passed, she had also given me a bunch of turquoise jewelry from their time living in Arizona. Unfortunately, when I was 28 and living in Capitola, California, my apartment was broken in to and ALL my sentimental and precious jewelry including the pieces my grandma and mom had given me, were stolen.
Working with turquoise is a way to connect with my Mexican and Native American heritage, and honor the memory of my grandma and my mom's childhood.
Pictured Above:
Left- Vintage Number 8 Turquoise with Edison Pearls
Right- Hubei Turquoise Chip Choker Necklace
Why Turquoise is So Special (not just to me)
Turquoise isn’t just beautiful—it’s a piece of history. It forms over millions of years in places with dry climates, through a unique mix of copper, aluminum, and water. The result? A stone with shades ranging from bright blue to greenish blue, each one a natural wonder.
This stone has a rich cultural background, too. Ancient Egyptians, Native American tribes, and Persian artisans all treasured turquoise, using it in everything from jewelry to ceremonial pieces. Nowadays, it’s still a symbol of protection, peace, and wisdom, making it a meaningful choice for jewelry.
The Art of Turquoise Mining
Mining turquoise is no small feat! It’s usually found in dry, rugged regions, and each mine brings out turquoise with its own signature look. The unique color patterns, or “matrix,” happen from interactions with minerals in the surrounding rock. This variety gives each stone its own personality. Some people love matrix in their turquoise, while others prefer a more uniform color- personally I love all of it!
Let’s dive into a few of the most popular types of turquoise and the varieties that you'll see in the pieces I make—Kingman, Sonoran, Hubei, and the vintage treasure, Number 8 turquoise.
Kingman Turquoise: A Classic with Character
Kingman turquoise is one of those gemstones that feels timeless yet so full of vibrant energy. Known for its striking shades of blue, often with hints of green and intricate webbing, Kingman turquoise is sourced from the historic Kingman Mine in Arizona, one of the oldest and most famous turquoise mines in the United States. Every stone or bead has its own unique pattern, meaning no two are alike. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or something more subtle, Kingman turquoise always brings a touch of nature’s artistry.
When you wear Kingman turquoise, you’re not just wearing a piece of jewelry; you’re carrying a bit of Southwestern history. This turquoise is cherished for its depth of color and character, thanks to natural variations created over millions of years. Kingman turquoise often has a matrix pattern, which gives it a rugged, earthy feel while still feeling elegant. Matrix is the term for the remnants of the rock that turquoise forms in, which appear as splotches or veins within the stone. The matrix can be made up of a variety of materials, including sandstone, quartz, and pyrite, and each adds a unique quality to the stone.
Sonoran Turquoise: A Fresh Take from Mexico
Sonoran turquoise, sourced from Sonora, Mexico, brings a more vibrant palette to the table, with shades ranging from deep blue to green. This type of turquoise is found in nugget form rather than veins, giving it a unique, marbled look with little to no matrix. It’s naturally hard and color-stable, so no extra treatments are needed.
Unlike most turquoise, which is mined, Sonoran turquoise is sourced from deposits in Mexico where it’s found in clay rather than traditional rock. What I love about Sonoran turquoise is it has a natural shine and luster.
Hubei Turquoise: A Piece of Chinese History
Hubei turquoise, from China’s Hubei province, offers a world of colors, from blue-green to rich dark green, often with intricate spider-web patterns and black or brown webbing. This turquoise has been valued in Chinese culture for thousands of years, and its bold look and rich history make it a popular choice in global jewelry designs. For those who appreciate something distinct, Hubei turquoise is a beautiful way to add color and history to any collection.
Vintage Number 8 Turquoise: A True Gemstone Treasure
Vintage Number 8 turquoise is a highly sought-after gemstone, known for its unique beauty and rarity. Mined in Nevada, Number 8 turquoise was especially famous for its distinctive light blue and blue-green hues combined with intricate spiderweb matrix patterns in rich brown and black. Since the Number 8 mine closed decades ago, genuine stones from this mine have become increasingly rare, making each piece a prized find for collectors and lovers of vintage jewelry. Owning Number 8 turquoise is like holding a piece of turquoise history, with each stone carrying the legacy of its celebrated origins.
Because of its rarity, Vintage Number 8 turquoise is often reserved for statement pieces that highlight the stone's natural artistry. It's vintage appeal makes it even more meaningful to wear, as each stone is a reminder of the natural beauty of a material that is no longer available. A piece of Vintage Number 8 turquoise jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s a cherished heirloom that can be passed down, carrying stories and memories with it for generations.
Meaning and Symbolism
If you're in to the metaphysical properties of turquoise- this part is for you!
Turquoise is a gemstone with a rich history of symbolism and meaning, revered in many cultures for its beauty and protective qualities. Here are some of the most common meanings and associations:
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Protection and Healing: Historically, turquoise has been viewed as a protective stone, often used as a talisman to ward off negative energy. Many cultures, especially Native American tribes, believed it could bring good fortune, guard against harm, and heal physical ailments.
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Wisdom and Truth: Turquoise is said to enhance communication and bring clarity of thought, encouraging self-awareness and honesty. This makes it a stone of wisdom, helping people communicate openly and truthfully.
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Peace and Balance: Known for its calming blue-green color, turquoise is thought to bring inner peace and emotional balance, reducing stress and restoring a sense of calm.
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Connection to Nature and the Spiritual: The stone’s color resembles the earth and sky, symbolizing the link between the physical and spiritual worlds. It’s associated with nature, grounding, and spiritual attunement.
Above: Hubei Turquoise Necklace
Whether you’re drawn to the bold blue of Kingman, the lively hues of Sonoran, the intricate patterns of Hubei, or the rarity of vintage Number 8, each piece of turquoise jewelry I create at Palettes and Petals celebrates the stone’s individuality and history.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for supporting my small business. Together, we're making a difference and celebrating beauty with a purpose!
With gratitude,
Selena
Palettes and Petals