The Alluring Beauty and Meaning of Rare Mojave Green Turquoise

The Alluring Beauty of Mojave Green Turquoise

Turquoise has captivated people for thousands of years with its alluring color and spiritual meaning. Of the many turquoise varieties, Mojave green turquoise stands out as one of the most coveted. Mined in Kingman, Arizona, USA, Mojave green turquoise is distinctive for its vibrant green hue ranging from mint green to deep forest green.

Highly prized by Native Americans and Southwest jewelry makers, Mojave green turquoise is considered a stone of healing, protection and connection to the natural world. From ancient pueblo peoples to modern day collectors, mojave green turquoise continues to beguile with its unique color and energy.

What Makes Mojave Green Turquoise Special

There are a few key factors that make Mojave green turquoise so special:

• Vibrant green color - Ranging from pale mint to deep forest green, the distinctive green tones of Mojave turquoise are highly sought after.
• Natural beauty - As a natural stone, each Mojave green turquoise matrix has a unique natural pattern of veins, spots and swirls.
• Spiritual meaning - Believed to impart healing and protective energies, Mojave green turquoise is deeply meaningful.
• Rarity - Only found in Kingman, Arizona, natural Mojave green turquoise is relatively rare compared to other turquoise varieties.
• Southwestern heritage - Strongly associated with Native American and Southwestern cultures, Mojave green turquoise reflects regional traditions.

The vibrant green tones, natural beauty, spiritual attributes, rarity and Southwestern roots all contribute to making Mojave green turquoise a prized gemstone.

The Allure of Mojave Green Turquoise Color

The distinctive green hues of Mojave turquoise are a large part of what makes it so coveted. The color range includes:

• Pale green with hints of blue
• Mint green with a crisp brightness
• Lime green with vivid saturation
• Forest green with deeper green tones
• Dark green verging into teal tones

From bright minty greens to deep forest greens, Mojave turquoise covers the full range of green shades. The green colors have an eye-catching vibrancy while still feeling natural and harmonious.

While other turquoise varieties like Sleeping Beauty turquoise have rich blue or green-blue hues, Mojave green turquoise stands out for its pure green tones. The green is distinct compared to the teal blues commonly seen in other turquoise. This unique green coloring is a large part of Mojave turquoise’s allure.

Natural Character of Mojave Green Turquoise

As a natural stone, Mojave green turquoise has intricate natural patterning unlike synthetic stones. The matrix patterns found in Mojave turquoise include:

• Veins - Spiderweb matrix patterns of black veins flowing through the stone.
• Spots - Speckles and dots of black scattered across the turquoise.
• Swirls - Twisted matrix patterns resembling waves or wisps of smoke.
• Layers - Striations of black running through the stone like layers.

These matrix patterns give each Mojave turquoise stone a unique look reflecting the natural variation of the earth. The contrasts between the vibrant green and black matrix make Mojave turquoise mesmerizing to behold. The natural variations contribute to its mystique and collectability.

Spiritual Meaning of Mojave Turquoise

In addition to its alluring appearance, Mojave green turquoise is believed to impart spiritual meaning and energies. Some of the attributed metaphysical properties include:

• Healing - Believed to support overall wellbeing and vitality.
• Protection - Thought to safeguard the wearer from harm.
• Connection - Said to link the wearer to nature and ancestral wisdom.
• Purification - Helps cleanse the mind, body and spirit.
• Serenity - Imparts calming and soothing energies.

These healing properties make Mojave turquoise meaningful beyond simply ornamental purposes. Traditionally, Navajo and other Native American artisans have incorporated the stone into jewelry, talismans and sacred objects to impart its positive attributes.

The Rarity of Mojave Turquoise

Mojave green turquoise is only found in the Kingman Turquoise Mine in northwestern Arizona. Operated by Colbaugh Processing, it is the largest and one of the oldest turquoise mines in the state. Compared to other American turquoise like Nevada turquoise, Mojave green turquoise is relatively rare.

Since Mojave turquoise only comes from the Kingman Mine, there is a limited supply that makes it highly prized. Only small batches of high grade Mojave greens are produced each year. This scarcity significantly adds to its value and mystique.

However, while rare, authentic Mojave turquoise is still accessible, particularly in Native American jewelry and Southwestern decorative items. Reputable dealers can help source quality Mojave turquoise stones and jewelry for collectors and admirers.

Mojave Green Turquoise and Southwestern Heritage

In addition to its natural appeal, Mojave green turquoise has important roots in Southwestern Native American culture. The vibrant green turquoise has traditionally been used by Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and other Southwestern tribes for jewelry, talismans and sacred objects.

The stone's association with healing, protection and nature take on special significance within the Native American worldview. Tribal artisans skilled in lapidary and silversmith work expertly craft Mojave turquoise into meaningful pieces.

For contemporary Native American and Southwestern jewelry makers, Mojave turquoise remains an important cultural touchstone. Using time-honored techniques, the stone is set into silver, incorporated into mosaic inlay, and transformed into wearable art carrying on ancestral traditions.

Beyond tribal artisans, Mojave turquoise also holds an important place in the larger Southwestern aesthetic. The green tones evoke the desert landscape, from saguaros to juniper trees. Incorporating Mojave turquoise into Southwestern decor captures the regional style.

Buying Authentic Mojave Green Turquoise Jewelry

For many people, the best way to enjoy Mojave turquoise is in beautifully crafted jewelry. When buying Mojave turquoise jewelry, here are some tips for finding authentic, high-quality pieces:

Look for Reputable Dealers

The first step is sourcing from dealers known for selling authentic stones and artisan jewelry. Reputable dealers will specialize in Native American arts and fine jewelry. They should provide detailed information on the origin and attributes of the Mojave turquoise used.

Stay away from questionable online sellers or shops selling mass-produced jewelry. The provenance of the stone may be dubious or entirely fraudulent.

Examine the Color

Take a close look at the exact green hue of the turquoise. It should fall within the typical range of Mojave greens, without appearing dyed or treated. Authentic Mojave turquoise will also have a natural brownish tone on the backside.

Check the Matrix Patterns

Mojave turquoise has distinctive black, brown or gray matrix patterns. Examine the veins, spots, layers and swirls in the stone to assess if they appear natural.

High Quality Craftsmanship

Authentic stones deserve authentic, handcrafted settings. Look for precision cutting, bezel settings, and detailed silversmith details. Shoddy craftsmanship often signals an inauthentic stone.

Traditional Southwestern Designs

Opt for Mojave turquoise jewelry reflecting Navajo, Zuni, Hopi or other traditional tribal designs. Intricate silverwork, mosaic details, and minimalist cuffs all showcase the stone effectively.

Caring for Mojave Green Turquoise Jewelry

To keep Mojave turquoise jewelry looking its best for years to come, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for maintaining your turquoise pieces:

Avoid Soaking

Never soak turquoise jewelry, as prolonged exposure to water can damage the stone. Just mild soap and a soft brush for occasional gentle hand washing.

Take Off When Exposed to Chemicals

Avoid wearing turquoise jewelry when handling household chemicals, cosmetics or cleaners. The fumes and residues can seep into the porous turquoise.

Protect from Impacts

Hard knocks or blows to a turquoise stone may crack or chip it. Take care to remove turquoise jewelry before strenuous activity.

Store Properly

Keep turquoise jewelry in a fabric-lined box or pouch to prevent scratching. Avoid tossing turquoise pieces into a jumbled jewelry box.

Gently Clean

Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub any buildup on the turquoise or metalwork. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Consider Re-Waxing

Over time, the protective wax coating on turquoise may wear off. Take quality turquoise pieces to be re-waxed every few years.

The Enduring Allure of Mojave Green Turquoise

With its striking green hues, natural beauty, and spiritual depth, it’s easy to see why Mojave turquoise has such enduring allure. This special gem connects us to Southwestern cultural heritage, earth’s intricate artistry, and our innermost hopes for health and harmony. Treasure your Mojave green turquoise pieces as meaningful reminders of life’s beauty and wonder.

FAQs

What makes Mojave green turquoise so special?

Mojave green turquoise is prized for its vibrant green hues, natural matrix patterns, spiritual meaning, rarity, and roots in Southwestern culture. It is mined exclusively in Kingman, Arizona which adds to its collectability.

What jewelry styles showcase Mojave turquoise?

Native American and Southwestern jewelry styles like Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi showcase Mojave turquoise beautifully. The stone is set in silver, incorporated into mosaic inlays, and crafted into cuffs, pendants, rings, earrings and more.

How can I identify authentic Mojave turquoise?

Look for reputable dealers, examine the signature green hues and natural matrix patterns, high quality handcrafted settings, and traditional Southwestern designs when shopping for authentic Mojave turquoise jewelry.

How should I care for Mojave turquoise jewelry?

Avoid soaking, chemicals, impacts and scratches. Store properly in fabric-lined boxes. Clean gently with mild soap and soft brush. Consider occasional re-waxing for added protection.

What is the spiritual meaning of Mojave turquoise?

In addition to its natural beauty, Mojave turquoise is believed to impart metaphysical properties like healing, protection, peaceful energies, connection to nature, and cleansing.