Kingman Turquoise Varieties
Kingman Turquoise – A Legendary Mine with Many Faces
The Kingman Mine, located in northwestern Arizona, is one of the oldest and most prolific turquoise mines in the United States, dating back over a thousand years to ancient Indigenous mining. Known for producing a broad spectrum of turquoise, Kingman has become the benchmark for quality and variety in American turquoise. Below are some of the distinctive varieties offered by our artists:
White Water Kingman
This bright, vivid sky-blue turquoise with minimal matrix resembles the clean look of Sleeping Beauty turquoise. It is among the newer finds within the Kingman mine and is prized for its clear, almost electric tone.
Old Kingman
Refers to natural, untreated turquoise mined from Kingman in the mid-20th century. It often features rich blues with iron pyrite flecks or a deep black matrix, and is highly collectible due to its age, color depth, and limited availability.
Water-web Kingman
This variation features tight, delicate webbing in watery, flowing patterns. Artists and collectors often refer to this as the most visually dynamic Kingman turquoise. It’s sometimes mistaken for high-end webbed stones like Lander Blue.
Mojave Kingman (or Mojave Turquoise)
Created using stabilized turquoise fragments from Kingman, which are bonded with bronze, copper, or other metals to form vibrant composites in hues of purple, teal, red, and green. Though enhanced, it is still considered authentic Kingman turquoise and is popular for its bold, artistic appeal.
Birdseye Kingman
Identified by its light blue "eyes" surrounded by darker matrix, this distinctive pattern appears almost three-dimensional. It’s a rare find and often showcased in statement rings or pendants due to its unusual beauty.
Why It Matters in Native Jewelry
Kingman turquoise has long been a favorite of Native American jewelers, especially Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi silversmiths. It remains one of the most accessible yet revered stones in Native art, celebrated for both its beauty and spiritual properties—believed to protect, purify, and bring prosperity.
