When discovered in the Dry Creek Mine, north of Austin, Nevada, in 1993, they were not sure what it was. Because of its hardness, it was decided to send it in to be assayed and their suspicions proved correct; it was in fact White Turquoise. It was not until 1996, however, that it was finally made into jewelry.

The chemical name for Turquoise is Aluma Phosphate which, in its pure chemical state, is white. Turquoise takes on color via an intrusion of either copper or iron. In the case of Dry Creek ore, the slight coloration, when present, is the result of copper. The more intrusion, the darker the color.

Blue turquoise forms where there is copper present, which is the case with most Arizona turquoises. Green turquoise forms where iron is present, the case with most Nevada turquoises.

White Turquoise forms where there are no heavy metals present, which turns out to be a very rare occurrence. To date, no other vein of gem quality white turquoise has been discovered anywhere else in the world. When this current vein runs out, that will be the last of it. Because White Turquoise is as rare as a white buffalo, the Indians call it "White Buffalo" Turquoise. The White Turquoise is itself considered sacred and powerful. The jewelry-making  is an honoring or tribute to the "White Buffalo" Turquoise.

The Shoshone Indians who help mine the White Turquoise are not known for their jewelry work; consequently they sell or trade the white turquoise to the Navajos in Arizona, who then work it into jewelry. Whether a ring, pendant, earrings, bracelet, a necklace with contemporary styling, or the traditional squash blossom, the fine craftsmanship is the Navajo artist's tribute to the white turquoise.

Gem stones are measured on a hardness scale of 0.0 to 10.0, with diamond being the hardest. The white turquoise used in our jewelry is at least a 7.0 or higher on the hardness scale, and as a result, is considered gem quality.

This beautiful and rare jewelry is made in a variety of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings, belt buckles, and bolo ties. The generous silver work allows for sizing on both the men's and women's rings.

Call your favorite store manager for your set today!