Lander Blue Turquoise

Turquoise has been one of the most revered gemstones for thousands of years, prized for its unique and captivating colors that range from sky blue to green. Among the many different varieties of turquoise, Lander Blue is considered one of the rarest and most valuable due to its exceptional color, purity, and geological origins. This article delves deep into the geological formation, mineral composition, gemological properties, and historical significance of Lander Blue turquoise, exploring what makes it such a unique and cherished gemstone.

Turquoise is a hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate mineral that has been used for decorative purposes for over 5,000 years. Its striking colors, often a blend of blue and green, are the result of the interaction between copper and iron during the mineral’s formation. Historically, turquoise has held great value, particularly among ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans. In modern times, it remains a popular gemstone for fine jewelry and is often associated with Southwestern Native American cultures.

Turquoise is found in a variety of locations around the world, but the United States, particularly the southwestern regions of Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, has become renowned for its high-quality turquoise deposits. Among the many varieties of turquoise, Lander Blue stands out due to its rarity, exceptional color, and purity, making it one of the most highly prized forms of turquoise in the world.

The Geological Discovery and Formation of Lander Blue Turquoise

Lander Blue turquoise was discovered in 1973 in Lander County, Nevada, USA. It was located in an area that had already been known for producing high-quality copper deposits, specifically near the Carico Lake mine, which is famous for its other turquoise varieties. The turquoise was found by accident when a mining company was prospecting for copper in the region. Initially, the mine was thought to hold promise for copper extraction, but the discovery of turquoise changed the course of the mining operations.

Lander Blue turquoise forms in the oxidation zones of copper-bearing deposits. These zones are typically found in areas where copper minerals, such as malachite and azurite, undergo chemical changes due to the interaction with oxygen and groundwater. When these conditions are right, copper-rich solutions move through the surrounding rock and interact with aluminum and phosphates present in the environment. This chemical interaction results in the formation of turquoise, which is often deposited in cracks and voids within the host rock.

The specific geological conditions in Lander County, Nevada, allowed for the formation of turquoise with a high degree of purity. The Lander Blue deposit was particularly unique because the turquoise found here had little to no matrix—an element that is often present in turquoise from other locations. The matrix is the network of minerals and veins that runs through the stone, and the absence of it in Lander Blue turquoise contributes to its exceptional clarity and color.

The turquoise found at the Lander Blue mine is also notable for its vivid and uniform sky-blue color. This vibrant hue is largely due to the high copper content present in the turquoise, as copper is the mineral responsible for turquoise’s signature blue shade. The copper-rich environment in Lander County produced some of the most visually striking turquoise specimens ever discovered, which is why Lander Blue remains highly sought after by collectors and jewelers alike.

Mineral Composition and Gemological Properties of Lander Blue Turquoise

Lander Blue turquoise is composed primarily of copper, aluminum, and phosphate, with trace amounts of iron and other minerals. The specific mineralogical composition of Lander Blue can be broken down as follows:

• Copper (Cu): Copper is the dominant element responsible for the turquoise’s signature blue color. In Lander Blue, the high copper content creates a deep, vibrant blue, often described as a pure, robin’s egg blue. The copper also contributes to the gemstone’s transparency and smooth texture.
• Aluminum (Al): Aluminum is another key component in turquoise, forming part of the mineral’s chemical structure. Aluminum stabilizes the turquoise, helping to create a crystalline structure that allows for the gemstone to take on a smooth, glass-like finish.
• Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is part of the phosphate group, which is integral to the formation of turquoise. It is typically derived from the surrounding host rocks and interacts with the copper and aluminum to form turquoise crystals.
• Iron (Fe): While iron is not as prevalent in Lander Blue turquoise as in other varieties of turquoise, trace amounts of iron can sometimes contribute to a greenish tinge in the stone. However, the low iron content in Lander Blue helps maintain its pure blue color.

The physical properties of Lander Blue turquoise are similar to those of other turquoise varieties, with a few notable differences due to its high purity and quality. The Mohs hardness of turquoise generally falls between 5 and 6, meaning it is relatively soft compared to other gemstones. However, Lander Blue turquoise is slightly harder than most turquoise varieties, making it more durable and suitable for use in jewelry.

Some of the key gemological properties of Lander Blue turquoise include:

• Hardness: As mentioned, turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. Lander Blue is slightly harder, offering a bit more durability for use in high-end jewelry pieces.
• Color: The primary characteristic of Lander Blue turquoise is its deep blue hue. The color can vary slightly from one specimen to another, ranging from light robin’s egg blue to a darker, more intense blue. The color is uniform across most specimens, making it highly desirable for gemstone collectors.
• Luster: Lander Blue turquoise has a waxy to vitreous luster. This gives the gemstone a smooth, glossy finish that enhances its visual appeal, especially when polished for use in jewelry.
• Matrix: One of the distinguishing features of Lander Blue turquoise is its lack of a visible matrix. Most turquoise deposits feature a matrix—a network of veins and minerals that runs through the stone. Lander Blue is known for being “matrix-free,” which enhances its clarity and purity.

Rarity, Mining, and Value of Lander Blue Turquoise

Lander Blue turquoise is considered one of the rarest forms of turquoise in the world. The original Lander Blue mine was mined for a brief period during the 1970s, and by the end of that decade, the deposit had been exhausted. Since then, no new turquoise of the same quality has been found in the Lander County region, making Lander Blue extremely scarce.

Due to its rarity, Lander Blue turquoise is highly valued by gemologists, collectors, and jewelers. The value of Lander Blue can vary depending on factors such as color, size, and the presence or absence of matrix. Pieces with a deep, uniform blue color and minimal matrix are considered the most valuable. Large, high-quality specimens can fetch thousands of dollars per carat, making Lander Blue one of the most expensive types of turquoise on the market.

In addition to its monetary value, Lander Blue turquoise is also prized for its historical significance. As one of the last great turquoise discoveries in the United States, it represents a unique geological and cultural artifact. For Native American tribes in the Southwest, turquoise has long been a symbol of wealth, health, and spiritual significance, and Lander Blue is particularly revered for its purity and color.

Significance in Jewelry and Native American Culture

Lander Blue turquoise holds special significance in both the gemological and cultural worlds. As a gemstone, it is highly sought after for use in fine jewelry, often set in sterling silver or gold to highlight its vibrant color. The rarity and purity of Lander Blue make it particularly desirable among collectors, who view it as a symbol of quality and sophistication.

For Native American tribes, turquoise has long been considered a sacred stone with healing and protective properties. It is often used in jewelry and ceremonial items, such as necklaces, bracelets, and belt buckles. Lander Blue turquoise, with its vivid blue hue and clarity, is considered one of the most prestigious types of turquoise, often incorporated into high-end jewelry pieces made by Native American artisans.

Conclusion

Lander Blue turquoise is a gemstone that represents the confluence of geology, mineralogy, and cultural heritage. Its formation in the unique geological environment of Lander County, Nevada, coupled with its striking blue color and purity, has made it one of the most coveted and valuable turquoise varieties in the world. Its rarity, coupled with the absence of matrix and exceptional quality, sets it apart from other types of turquoise, making it a symbol of elegance and beauty.

As one of the last great turquoise discoveries in the United States, Lander Blue remains a geological treasure that continues to captivate collectors, jewelers, and enthusiasts alike. Whether admired for its vivid blue hue or its place in history, Lander Blue turquoise will always be a gemstone that represents the delicate interplay between nature and time.