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The Turquoise Mining Process

Turquoise is a beautiful gem that has been worn for thousands of years across the globe. Whether in an Aztec King’s crown, inlaid into a sword hilt carried into battle by a Persian warrior, or worn on the wrist as a ladies cuff bracelet, the turquoise has to come from somewhere. Here we will discuss the process of mining turquoise from start to finish.

Mining begins with the prospecting step. Just like they did a hundred years ago, some lucky fellow needs to walk the ground. Everything from formation of mountains to color and surroundings tell a prospector where to start the hunt. Sometimes it takes thousands of hours to locate a good site.

Once found, the miner then stakes the claim. The claim owner owns only the rights to the minerals on the portion of land. Each claim is 1500′ long and 600′ wide. The miner will fill out the claim notice stating location and direction of claim and place the notice where it can be easily seen by others. Then it’s off to the county courthouse to research plat maps and file paperwork. Once filed there, it’s off to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to file the same paperwork with them. Once approved, you now own the rights to the minerals on that claim!

But long before you plan to dig there, you need to do your bond work with the BLM. This is money set aside by the miner in agreement with the BLM office to reclaim the mine once the miner is done with the approved work. If the miner skips town before reclaiming the mine to its natural state, the BLM will deplete these funds to hire a contractor to do the job. This can range from around $1000 to well into the millions on larger mine projects.

After the paperwork comes the physical work. Shovels, picks, cobbing hammers and fingernails are worn out routinely extracting stone from the host rock. We drill holes first for the dynamite and prill. We load the holes and blast the host rock to loosen it up. Using backhoes or excavators, we dig out the host rock containing turquoise and run it over a screen to seperate the dirt and dust from the rock. The rock all goes into a cement mixer to begin the tumbling process. Depending on the mine, this can take minutes or hours to remove the coating on the turquoise so the stone can be seen. After being tumbled, we wash the rock and begin sifting through the washed rock removing all the visible turquoise. Then it’s off to the cutting shop with the stone to start preparing it for beautiful hand crafted jewelry like silver and turquoise pendants or a women’s cuff bracelet.

About the Author

Some of the most beautiful and rare turquoise stones are the Candelaria Turquoise. These beautiful stones make great pieces of jewelry.

 

Turquoise Sterling Silver 6-1/2 Cuff Bracelet

Silver Plated Cuff Bracelet Bangle -with large turquoise enamel “O” in front $2.99

Exquisite Tribe Jewellery Tibet Silver turquoise Red Coral men’s Cuff bracelet $11.89

ADJUSTABLE 6 2/3″ – 9″ MANMADE TURQUOISE GEMSTONE BRACELET $2.99

Tibet Silver Turquoise Coral Dragon Cuff Bracelet $0.01

NAVAJO ALBERT JAKE RARE GREEN CARICO LAKE TURQUOISE STERLING VTG CUFF BRACELET $409.00

Charming Tibet Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $14.98

Sunflower Turquoise Bead Tibet Silver Necklace TS0269 $4.72

Southwestern Silver Cuff Bracelet 10 Turquoise American Born Artist Silversmith $42.50

Infinate Eternity 9K Gold Filled 2 Tone Ruby Bracelet,B152 $0.64

NEW SILVER TONE BRACELET WITH TURQUOISE COLORED BEADS – B $12.00

Yellow Turquoise Gem Peace Leather Hemp Cuff Bracelets $0.41

Liquid Sterling Silver Handcrafted Coral Gem Stone Gemstone Bracelet 7 1/2 Inch $39.99

TURQUOISE ADJUSTABLE CUFF BRACELET 7 1/2″; B3820 $16.99

Tibet silver moonstone to inlay turquoise beads jewelry cuff bracelet bangle $11.89

Classic Old Tibet Silver Garnet & Turquoise Dragon men’s Cuff Tribal Bracelet $11.89

Sedona Indian Jewelry Silver and Turquoise Handmade Cuff Bracelet $775.00

Vintage Silver and Turquoise Pettipoint Bracelet/Cuff Stamped STERLING 914 $22.50

Tibet Red Coral Turquoise beads Cuff Bracelet $0.01

Chan Luu Navajo Design Turquoise Lapis Nugget Single Cuff Bracelet $225 $115.00

CUFF BRACELET purple composite turquoise resin 14k GOLD NWT $59.99

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff INLAY Multi Color HALLMARK 921 $30.00

Tibet Red Coral Turquoise beads Cuff Bracelet $0.10

VINTAGE ZUNI INDIAN STERLING SILVER TRIPLE ROW TURQUOISE CUFF BRACELET $375.00

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff 923 $20.50

Andy Cadman Sterling Silver High Grade Kingman Turquoise Navajo Cuff Bracelet $450.00

Alex Sanchez S Silver Kingman Turquoise Navajo Petroglyph Design Cuff Bracelet $485.00

Alex Sanchez Sterling Silver Kingman Turquoise Navajo Handmade Cuff Bracelet $245.00

Andy Cadman Navajo Sterling Silver High Grade Kingman Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $460.00

Handmade Sterling Silver Alex Sanchez Petroglyph Cuff Bracelet Kingman Turquoise $790.00

.925 Sterling Silver Natural Kingman Turquoise Cuff Bracelet FITS ALL SIZES! $71.95

.925 Sterling Silver Natural Kingman Turquoise Cuff Bracelet FITS ALL SIZES! $71.95

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff Coral W69 $31.00

Beautiful Tibet Silver & Turquoise Cuff Bracelet @@813 $0.10

VINTAGE 1950′S STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE CUFF BRACELET $295.00

VINTAGE 1950′S STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE CUFF BRACELET SAND CAST $245.00

++ New!!S80 silver turquoise Gem Cuff Bracelet bangle Y-17 $2.50

TURQUOISE MULTI-GEMSTONE HALLMARKED 925 STERLING SILVER CUFF BRACELET 54g $103.49

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff BUTTERFLY W71 $55.00

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff NUGGET W73 $24.13

VINTAGE 1970′S STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE CORAL CUFF BRACELET $87.50

Pawn sterling silver large wide turquoise cuff bracelet $450.00

Beautiful Tibet Silver Turquoise Cuff Men’s Bracelet $0.01

Rare Tibet Dragon Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $0.01

Oval Leaf Turquoise Bead Tibet Silver Necklace TS0278 $4.72

Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet w/ Beautiful Chunks of Turquoise Coral $124.95

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff Pettipoint HUGE W75 $103.50

VINTAGE 1940′S STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE & SYMBOLS CUFF BRACELET $225.00

Gorgeous VINTAGE NAVAJO Turquoise Lapis Opal INLAY Cuff BRACELET Sterling Silver $171.75

VINTAGE 1960′S BELL’S TRADING POST STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE CUFF BRACELET $75.00

Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet w/ Beautiful Large Chunks of Turquoise $164.95

Mike Platero, Navajo, Sandcast Sterling & Turquoise Cuff Bracelet. $295.00

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff W76 $29.57

Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet w/ 14 Small Round Turquoise Stones 20g $119.95

Navajo Silver Hinged Cuff Bracelet Turquoise & Mother of Pearl # J-35 $600.00

Oval Turquoise Bead Silver Necklace & Earring TS0287 $4.95

Estate Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff W78 $26.01

HC STERLING TURQUOISE NATIVE WIDE CUFF BRACELET SIGNED $220.00

Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff Multicolor Signed W79 $61.00

Navajo Sterling Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $499.00

Navajo SS Eleven Oval Stone Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $389.00

Navajo Sterling Silver Turquoise 13 Stone Cuff Bracelet $295.00

TURQUOISE & .925 STERLING SILVER CUFF BRACELET $199.99

Tibet silver turquoise/Moonstones Cuff Bracelet $0.10

Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet/Cuff Signed W81 $67.66

Vintage Sgnd Southwest Turquoise Sterling Cuff Bracelet $86.00

Turquoise and White FWP Cultured Pearl Cuff Bracelet $39.00

Turquoise Gemstone Tibet Silver Drop Bracelet TS0975 $3.55

TAXCO STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE BUTTERFLY BRACELET CUFF $64.99

Beautiful Tibet Silver Turquoise Cuff bangle Bracelet $0.10

silver bracelet with turquoise and silver leaves $65.00

VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO INDIAN STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE CUFF BRACELET $517.49

Large Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $195.00

Tibet Silver Oval Bead Turquoise Butterfly Cuff Bracelet TS1083 $3.43

Heart Turquoise Rhinestone Crystal stone Cuff Bracelet A127-2 $0.99

Old Pawn Style Sterling Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $194.50

Rare Fancy Tibet Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet bangle $13.99

Vintage Zuni Indian Sterling Silver Turquoise Black Onyx Inlay Cuff Bracelet $59.99

Rare Tibet Silver turquoise Coral Beads Cuff bracelet $13.99

VINTAGE/VICTORIAN REPRODUCTION 2.00CT. ROSE CUT DIAMOND TURQUOISE CUFF BRACELET $242.92

Navajo Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet By Piaso 6.25″ $112.50

AMAZING FRED ADAKAI 40 PIECE GREEN TURQUOISE STERLING NAVAJO CUFF BRACELET $750.00

Silver Silver Turquoise Gemstone Cuff Bracelet $95.00

Tibet silver turquoise/Moonstones Cuff Bracelet $0.01

Zuni Silver Coral Malachite Turquoise.. Cuff Bracelet $49.50

Zuni Silver Diamond Shape Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $49.50

A pair Tibet Silver inlay Turquoise Lucky Cuff Bracelet $0.01

Old sterling silver green turquoise cuff bracelet Zuni $57.05

Lot 4X Lady Girl Retro Tibet Silver Flower Bead Turquoise Cuff Bracelet Gift $3.00

Tibetan Silver Jewelry Turquoise Cuff Bracelets $13.99

Vintage Sterling Silver 1.25″ Turquoise Stone Cuff Bracelet Navajo Leaf Design $55.00

Metal Blue Pentagon Shape Faux Turquoise Flower Crystal Bangle Bracelet Cuff $20.99

Rare tibet tiger’s eye stone&Turquoise bracelet cuff $0.10

Navajo Silver Kingman Turquoise Cuff Bracelet By Red James $73.80

Vintage Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet For Watch Inlays Of Coral And Turquoise $150.00

New silver Turquoise bracelet charm cuff Bangle S091 $5.99

Vantage Tibet Silver Turquoise Flower Charm Cuff Bracelet Lady Women Gift B7 $3.25

Silver Cuff Watchband Bracelet With Turquoise And Coral Stones $69.99

Ladies Unsigned Native 925 Sterling Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $99.00

Faux Turquoise Leather Cuff Bracelet Wristband Gothic Punk Rock Biker $0.99

Leaves and Large Blue Turquoise Sterling Silver Cuff Br $452.97

Faux Turquoise Round Cuff Bracelet $17.99 Faux Turquoise Round Cuff Bracelet Evil Eye wire cuff bracelet designed with faux turquoise accents. Cuff bracelets are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Specifications: One size fits most

Faux Turquoise Heart Cuff Bracelet $17.99 Faux Turquoise Heart Cuff Bracelet Heart wire cuff bracelet designed with faux turquoise accents. Cuff bracelets are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Specifications: One size fits most

Turquoise Bora Bora Cuff $420 Snag up this turquoise Bora Bora cuff before they’reall gone. The turquoise cuff is smartly decorated with glass polki,each one surrounded by brilliant cubic zirconias. The bracelet is hingedand fastens with a push tab insert closure.

X100167957 Floras Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $33.75 Flora s Turquoise Cuff Bracelet brings fantasy and romance to your look. Silver tone double band bracelet opens on a hinge for easy on/off. Opening tucks behind the faux turquoise stone when worn for a seamless look. Large (about the size of a quarter) round faux turquoise stone has variations in hue and markings for a natural look no two are exactly the same. Fits a normal sized wrist approximately 7.5 inches. Weight: 33.7 Grams. Metal: Lead free silver tone. Stone: Faux turquoise. Measurements: 66 mm (2.6 in) x 64 mm (2.5 in) x 37 mm (1.5 in) 25 mm (.98 in) x 25 mm (.98 in) faux turquoise.

Montana Silversmiths Scroll and Faux Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $60 Stunning Montana Silversmiths western cuff . Silver electroplated bracelet with fancy scroll engraving . Bold, framed faux turquoise stone at center . Black matte paint fill gives bracelet an antique look . Make a statement wearing our Montana Silversmiths "stand-out" faux turquoise stone cuff bracelet. Montana Silversmiths pride themselves on their high quality and superior workmanship. Silver-plated cuff bracelet features fancy engraving and faux turquoise stone at center. Bracelet is coated with state-of-the-art tarnish protection. Women’s bracelet measures 1 1/2" wide. One size fits most.

Turquoise cuff bracelet, ‘Aztec Crown’ (Mexico) $210.99 Glistening with Aztec details, this cuff bracelet is designed for fashion-forward elegance. By Guillermo Arregui, the hand crafted sterling silver bracelet is crowned with turquoise, stone of friendship. .925 Sterling silver

Brass Scarab Turquoise Beetle Cuff $150 Any fashionista would appreciate this scarab turquoise beetle cuff. The extraordinary cuff is great way to accessorize in an impactfulway. This bracelet fastens with a push tab insert.

Plus Size Turquoise Glam Cuff Bracelet $20 Assorted small turquoise glass beads on an open cuff. 9 rows of shaped wire adorned with assorted resin.

Alexander Zar Exotic Turquoise Nile Alligator Cuff / Bracelet (AZ-C106) $275 Alexander Zar Exotic Turquoise Nile Alligator Cuff / Bracelet (AZ-C106) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Alexander Zar Exotic Turquoise Nile Alligator Cuff / Bracelet (AZ-C106) for $220.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Alexander Zar Exotic Turquoise Nile Alligator Cuff / Bracelet (AZ-C101) $195 Alexander Zar Exotic Turquoise Nile Alligator Cuff / Bracelet (AZ-C101) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Alexander Zar Exotic Turquoise Nile Alligator Cuff / Bracelet (AZ-C101) for $160.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Turquoise Friendship Bracelet Set $133 This turquoise friendship bracelet set is a great way to solidify a close bond. The set includes two bracelets and a cuff each made of recycled 14k gold overlay and silk. One bracelet has chain links with a ball charm.

Turquoise cuff bracelet, ‘Caribbean Empress’ (Mexico) $572.95 A drop of turquoise falls on an intricate web of stylized roots as Maria Belen Nilson honors Mother Earth. Nilson finds inspiration in ancient Mexican fashions as she designs this grand sterling silver bracelet. .925 Sterling silver

Turquoise cuff bracelet Caribbean Empress (Mexico) $572.95 A drop of turquoise falls on an intricate web of stylized roots as Maria Belen Nilson honors Mother Earth. Nilson finds inspiration in ancient Mexican fashions as she designs this grand sterling silver bracelet. .925 Sterling silver

About Color Braided Bead Cuff – Turquoise $16 About Color-Hand beaded braided cuff bracelet.

Leather Turquoise & Coral Bracelet $59.99 Extravagant cuff bracelet is embellished with sparkling Austrian crystals set in a trendy cross motif highlighted by colorful Viennese turquoise and simulated coral accents. 7 1/2″ length. Leather and silvertone metal. Express delivery not available. Shipped directly from the manufacturer; please allow additional shipping time.

Bohemian Turquoise Wrapped Bracelet $5.39 Style: Modern Fabric: Acrylic Embellishment: Beaded Color: Blue ACCESSORIES: Bracelet JEWELRY SILHOUETTE: Cuff

Turquoise Bamboo Enamel Gold Plated Cuff $125 You’ll love the turquoise bamboo enamel gold plated cuff. Large oval lime colored cubic zirconia stones shine brightly atthe cuffs opening. This bracelet is hinged for an easy fit.

Montana Silversmiths Flower & Faux Turquoise Cuff $60 Stunning Montana Silversmiths western cuff . Silver electroplated bracelet with unique scroll engraving & rose gold-tone leaf accents. Silver-tone flower at center features faux turquoise stone . Black matte paint fill gives bracelet an antique appearance. Proudly made in the U.S.A.. Make a statement wearing our Montana Silversmiths "stand-out" faux turquoise and flower cuff bracelet. Montana Silversmiths prides themselves on their high quality and superior workmanship. Silver-plated cuff bracelet features fancy engraving, faux turquoise stone and antique black matte paint. Bracelet is coated with state-of-the-art tarnish protection. Women’s bracelet measures 1 1/2" wide. One size fits most.

Spiritual Harmony Cuff in Many Colors – designed by Natalie B. Jewelry $143 Tri-metal cuff bracelet with turquoise insets.

Barse Bronze Turquoise Howlite Cuff Bracelet JUBIB03THW (Women’s) $114.95 A scrolled leaf pattern in rich bronze encases a centerpiece turquoise hued howlite stone. The rich bronze detailing continues on the cuff’s sides. Adjusts to fit most wrists.

Sterling cuff link bracelet, ‘Tropical Blue’ (Indonesia) $116.99 Yuli evokes blue blossoms on tropical trees with this beautiful bracelet. Set with buds of reconstituted turquoise, the sleek silver cuff is graceful and modern. .925 Sterling silver

Sterling cuff link bracelet Tropical Blue (Indonesia) $116.99 Yuli evokes blue blossoms on tropical trees with this beautiful bracelet. Set with buds of reconstituted turquoise, the sleek silver cuff is graceful and modern. .925 Sterling silver

JeGem Sterling Silver Tibetan Turquoise Cuff Bracelet $255.99 Material: sterling silverStone(s): a high-grade authentic green spider web Tibetan turquoise cabochonWidth (widest section): 0.7 inchOpening Width: 1.05 inchInner circumference (including the opening): 7 inchesThe size is also adjustable.Weight: 38.2 gramsStamp / Mark: 925

Montana Silversmiths Turquoise-hue Beaded Heart Cuff Bracelet $34.97 Known for excellence in traditional western jewelry, Montana Silversmiths. Quality silver-electroplated. Rope design creates heart shape, adorned with turquoise-hue stones. Coated with state of the art tarnish protection. Montana Silversmiths skilled craftsmen create inspirational western jewelry women admire. To learn more click Womens Montana Silversmiths Jewelry. Montana Silversmiths combine traditional designs, unique modern flair, brilliant engraving, and attention to detail. This makes Montana Silversmiths jewelry great gifts for you or loved ones. Don this western inspired bracelet for a sophisticated country look! Womens bracelet measures 1 1/4″ at widest point. Cuff bracelet styling; one size fits most. Imported.