Few precious gemstones capture the essence of the American Southwest quite like turquoise. Among the many varieties of this beloved stone, Sleeping Beauty turquoise stands as perhaps the most iconic and sought-after in the world.
What Makes Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Special?
The Fineline - White Mother of Pearl with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is immediately recognizable by its striking robin's egg blue color—a pure, vibrant azure that seems to capture the essence of the Southwestern sky. Unlike many other turquoise varieties, Sleeping Beauty typically contains little to no matrix (the dark veining or patterns found in most turquoise). This gives it a clean, uniform appearance that jewelry designers and collectors particularly prize.
The stone derives its poetic name from the Sleeping Beauty Mountain near Globe, Arizona, whose silhouette resembles a slumbering woman. It's from this mountain that the world's supply of this distinctive turquoise once flowed.
The Legacy of the Sleeping Beauty Mine
Sleeping Beauty Mountain - Globe, Arizona
The Sleeping Beauty Mine began as a copper mining operation in Globe, Arizona in the 1950s, with turquoise discovered as a byproduct. For decades, it was one of the most productive turquoise mines in North America, known worldwide for its consistent quality and distinctive color.
In 2012, the mine ceased operations, choosing to focus exclusively on copper extraction. This closure sent shockwaves through the jewelry world, instantly transforming existing Sleeping Beauty turquoise from a beautiful gemstone into a finite, increasingly rare commodity.
Cultural Significance
The Lasso - Elk Antler Bolo Tie with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Turquoise has held profound cultural significance for indigenous peoples of the Southwest for thousands of years. The Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and other tribes have incorporated turquoise into their jewelry, ceremonial objects, and healing practices. While these cultures traditionally valued turquoise with matrix patterns for their uniqueness and character, the pure blue of Sleeping Beauty has become equally treasured in Native American jewelry-making.
Beyond indigenous traditions, Sleeping Beauty turquoise gained international recognition in the late 20th century. Its distinctive color made it particularly popular in European and Asian markets, where it often features in high-end jewelry designs.
Related: Top 4 Reasons to Wear a Bolo Tie
Identifying Authentic Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
The Relic - Megalodon Tooth Necklace with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
With the mine's closure and the resulting increase in value, the market has seen a rise in imitations and misrepresentations. Here's how to identify authentic Sleeping Beauty turquoise:
- Color: True Sleeping Beauty exhibits a consistent, medium-toned robin's egg blue or sky blue color.
- Texture: The stone should have a smooth, slightly waxy feel when polished.
- Matrix: Minimal to no matrix is typical, though occasional small flecks may appear.
- Provenance: Documentation or certification from reputable dealers is increasingly important.
- Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine Sleeping Beauty commands premium prices.
Beware of treated, stabilized, or reconstituted turquoise being marketed as natural Sleeping Beauty. These treatments can enhance color and durability but significantly reduce value compared to natural specimens.
Caring for Your Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
The Dagger - Elk Antler Point Necklace with Burl Wood & Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Turquoise ranks 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively soft for a gemstone. To preserve your Sleeping Beauty turquoise jewelry:
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners
- Remove jewelry before swimming or bathing
- Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching
- Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning
- Remember that turquoise can absorb oils from your skin over time, which may gradually darken the stone—this is considered a natural part of the stone's life journey
Related: How to Store Your Wooden Jewelry to Last a Lifetime
The Market Today
The Lasso - Banksia Pod Bolo Tie with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Since the mine's closure in 2012, the value of authentic Sleeping Beauty turquoise has increased dramatically. Jewelry featuring this iconic stone has become not just a beautiful adornment but an investment. Limited supply and growing demand have created a robust secondary market, with vintage pieces containing significant amounts of Sleeping Beauty turquoise fetching premium prices.
Here at Sticks & Stones, we have a supply of authentic Sleeping Beauty turquoise. We can add it to any piece you'd like.
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Looking Forward
While the original Sleeping Beauty Mine remains closed for turquoise extraction, the legacy of this beautiful stone lives on in countless jewelry pieces around the world. Its distinctive color has become so iconic that "Sleeping Beauty blue" is now a recognized shade in the jewelry industry, with other blue stones often compared to this standard.
Whether worn as a connection to the American Southwest, appreciated for its natural beauty, or collected as an investment, Sleeping Beauty turquoise continues to captivate admirers across generations and cultures—a true American gem whose allure only grows with time.
Learn more about other natural materials:
Opals: A Symphony of Colors Encased in Crystal
Brown Lip Mother of Pearl: One of Nature's Most Beautiful Gifts
