Sleeping turquoise, officially known as Sleeping Beauty turquoise, is a highly sought-after variety of genuine turquoise gemstone renowned for its distinctive and appealing characteristics. It is celebrated worldwide for its beauty and unique appearance, having captivated crowds around the world.
Characteristics of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
This particular type of turquoise stands out due to several key features:
- Intense and Uniform Blue: A hallmark of Sleeping Beauty turquoise is its intense and uniform blue color. This consistent hue, often likened to a robin's egg or sky blue, is a major reason for its popularity. Unlike some other turquoise varieties, it typically exhibits very little to no dark matrix, which contributes to its clean and vivid appearance.
- Nugget Form: This beautiful genuine turquoise often comes in nugget form, referring to its natural, irregular shape before any cutting or polishing.
- Light White Matrix: While known for its clean blue, Sleeping Beauty turquoise often features a light white matrix. This subtle webbing or veining adds character without detracting significantly from the primary blue color.
- Mineral Inclusions: Sometimes, small amounts of other minerals like quartz or pyrite may be present within the stone, offering slight natural variations.
Origin and Rarity
Sleeping Beauty turquoise derives its name from the Sleeping Beauty Mine near Globe, Arizona, USA, which was a significant source of this gemstone. Although the mine officially ceased turquoise mining operations in 2012, its legacy continues to make this variety exceptionally rare and precious. The limited supply contributes significantly to its high value in the market.
Why is it So Prized?
The desirability of Sleeping Beauty turquoise stems from a combination of factors:
- Purity of Color: Its consistently pure, vibrant blue without heavy black or brown veining makes it highly desirable for fine jewelry.
- Versatility: The uniform color allows it to be easily cut and polished into various shapes, suitable for diverse jewelry designs, from traditional Native American pieces to contemporary fine jewelry.
- Scarcity: With the mine's closure, new rough material is no longer being extracted, increasing the rarity and investment value of existing stones.
Uses in Jewelry
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a favorite among jewelers and artisans due to its striking color and quality. It is frequently used in:
- Native American Jewelry: Particularly prominent in Southwestern designs, often set in sterling silver.
- Fine Jewelry: Incorporated into necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets, sometimes paired with diamonds or other precious gemstones.
- Cabochons and Beads: Its solid color and workability make it excellent for creating smooth, polished cabochons and various bead shapes.
The distinctive characteristics and inherent beauty of Sleeping Beauty turquoise ensure its continued prominence in the world of gemstones. For more general information on turquoise as a gemstone, you can refer to resources like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
