🌏 Chinese Turquoise – Ethically Sourced & Artisan-Cut in the USA

Chinese Turquoise has long been admired for its vibrant color range, from robin’s egg blue to rich green, often accompanied by striking black or brown matrix patterns. Sourced from historic mining regions in China, this material offers a bold and colorful alternative to Western turquoise, with quality that rivals many American deposits.

We source our Chinese Turquoise as ethically and directly as possible, working with trusted suppliers close to the mining origin. Each piece is professionally stabilized with eco-friendly resin to enhance durability and polishability, then cut and finished in the United States with precision and care.

Redskin Turquoise

Redskin Turquoise comes from the famous Redskin Mine in northern China. Originally developed as a tin mine during WWII, turquoise was discovered there in 2002 at depths of ~600 meters. The rough is known for its iron-rich “red skin” rind surrounding vivid blue interiors, often compared to Sleeping Beauty turquoise from Arizona. In 2010, a tailings dam failure flooded the mine, and no new material has been produced since, making Redskin Turquoise exceptionally rare and collectible.

Hubei Turquoise

Hubei Province, particularly Zhushan and Yun County, has been the most prolific turquoise-producing region in Asia. Deposits occur in Cambrian-age slates and quartz veins, often forming nodules, massive blocks, and spiderweb-patterned veinlets. Production from Yun County between 1954–1999 exceeded 800 tonnes, though resources are now depleted. Zhushan County continues to yield turquoise ranging from soft chalky material requiring stabilization to gem-grade spiderweb turquoise considered among the finest in the world. Treatments typically involve polymer impregnation to improve hardness and polishability.

Mineral Data

• Chemistry: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈ · 4H₂O (hydrated copper aluminum phosphate)
• Hardness: 4–5.5 on the Mohs scale (varies by deposit)
• Matrix: Iron-rich rind (Redskin), carbonaceous slates and quartz veins (Hubei)
• Appearance: Sky blue to green with bold black or brown spiderweb matrix

Metaphysical Properties

Turquoise is revered as a stone of protection, wisdom, and good fortune. Chinese Turquoise, with its bold spiderweb patterns and vibrant hues, is believed to amplify clarity, creativity, and connection to cultural heritage. Collectors value it as both a spiritual talisman and a global expression of turquoise artistry.

Lapidary Process

Due to variable hardness, most Chinese Turquoise requires stabilization before cutting. The process includes:

1. Selection: Sorting rough by density and color; high waste from chalky zones.
2. Stabilization: Eco-friendly resin impregnation to reinforce structure and enhance polish.
3. Slabbing & Shaping: Gentle grinding and preforming to preserve spiderweb patterns.
4. Polishing: Fine abrasives and turquoise-safe compounds for a durable, glossy finish.

Finished cabochons reveal the striking matrix and vibrant hues that make Chinese Turquoise highly sought after by jewelry artists and collectors worldwide.

🌍 Quick Facts

• Origin: Ethically sourced from China
• Color Profile: Blue to green with bold matrix patterns
• Stabilization: Eco-friendly resin
• Processing: Cut and polished in the USA
• Ideal for: Cabochon jewelry, statement pieces, collectors

📚 Sources & Further Reading

• GIA Gems & Gemology – Turquoise from Zhushan County, Hubei Province
• Jay King – Redskin Turquoise Notes
• TradeRoots – Hubei Turquoise Mine
• Durango Silver – Chinese Turquoise Mines Overview