What is Mojave Purple Turquoise
Purple Turquoise, or Mojave Purple Turquoise, has popped up on the scene recently. You see it sold at Street fairs, on HSN, and other home shopping networks. There are many different explanations about what it actually is. Based on my research, I have come to the conclusion that there is only one source for this particular type of Turquoise. That source is from the Kingman mine in Arizona.
Purple Turquoise starts out as stabilized Blue Kingman Turquoise. There is not a vein of purple Turquoise that was discovered at the mine! It is dyed purple and then goes through a Bronze fusion process that creates a shiny bronze color to the matrix. It is then formed, polished and set in necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.
As far as I can determine, the Kingman mine is the only mine authorized to process their Turquoise in this manner. Be careful when buying this Turquoise on line, or anywhere for that matter. Ask where the Turquoise is from. If they say anything but the Kingman mine, steer clear! Even then, buyer beware.
Here at LittleFeathers Jewelry, we carry a limited supply of authentic Mojave Purple Turquoise. Below are a few of our current pieces:
