What is Arkansas Mona Lisa Turquoise
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🌟 Arkansas Mona Lisa Turquoise — Mine History, Geology, and Lapidary Insights
⛏️ History of the Mona Lisa Mine
The Mona Lisa Mine, located on Little Porter Mountain in Polk County, Arkansas, was first opened in 1958 to mine phosphate. In 1974, property owner Jack McBride discovered turquoise on site, initiating small-scale production. From 1978 to 1986, Jack Wigley operated the mine intermittently, producing an estimated 25,000–30,000 pounds of turquoise. This period also yielded the largest known American turquoise nugget, originally weighing ~500 pounds before cutting.
In 2017, James Zigras of Avant Mining LLC acquired a placer claim for the site. A test trench in 2018 produced over 1,000 pounds of turquoise in one week, and limited production resumed in 2022. Today, the mine remains privately held and is the only documented turquoise mine in Arkansas.
🧭 Geological Context
According to the Arkansas Geological Survey, turquoise at the Mona Lisa Mine occurs as secondary mineralization in lead-, zinc-, and copper-bearing quartz veins. It forms in thin seams and fracture fillings within altered volcanic rocks. The host rock is described as tripolitic novaculite — a porous, chalky form of Arkansas Novaculite that contributes to the turquoise’s softness and need for stabilization.
🔬 Mineral Data
- Chemistry: CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O (hydrated copper aluminum phosphate)
- Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale
- Host Matrix: Tripolitic novaculite with copper, iron, and lead inclusions
- Appearance: Pale blue to greenish tones, often chalky, typically without spiderwebbing
💎 Metaphysical Properties
Turquoise is traditionally associated with protection, wisdom, and communication. Arkansas Mona Lisa Turquoise is believed to carry the grounding energy of the Ouachita Mountains, supporting clarity, friendship, and emotional balance. Its rarity and regional identity make it a powerful stone for collectors and healers alike.
🛠️ Lapidary Cutting & Stabilization
Due to its softness and porosity, Mona Lisa Turquoise must be stabilized before cutting. The lapidary process includes:
- Selection: Rough is sorted to identify cohesive zones; high waste due to fractures and friability.
- Slabbing: Light cuts with sharp blades to minimize vibration and heat.
- Stabilization: Resin impregnation under vacuum/pressure to reinforce structure and improve polishability.
- Shaping: Gentle grinding and sanding with fresh abrasives; progress through fine grits carefully.
- Polishing: Use turquoise-safe compounds; avoid excessive heat to preserve integrity.
Waste Factor: A significant portion of rough is lost due to chalky zones and fractures. Stabilization improves yield, but high-grade finished stones remain rare.
📜 Timeline of the Mona Lisa Mine
1958 — Phosphate mining begins: Site opened for agricultural phosphate production.
1974 — Turquoise discovered: Jack McBride identifies turquoise; small-scale mining begins.
1978–1986 — Wigley era: Jack Wigley operates mine intermittently; largest U.S. turquoise nugget recovered.
2017 — Avant Mining claim: James Zigras secures placer claim and begins exploration.
2018 — Test trench success: Over 1,000 lbs recovered in one week; renewed interest in Arkansas turquoise.
2022 — Limited production resumes: Output continues on a small scale, weather permitting.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- Encyclopedia of Arkansas — Mona Lisa Mine
- Arkansas Geological Survey — Gemstone Overview
- GIA Gems & Gemology — Turquoise from Western Arkansas
- University of Arkansas Thesis — Geochemical Evaluation of the Mona Lisa Mine
🌟 Own a Piece of Arkansas Mona Lisa Turquoise
Each finished stone is the result of careful stabilization and meticulous lapidary work. Explore our available cabochons and specimens, ethically sourced and expertly cut.