BISBEE TURQUOISE

First of all, a Blue Bisbee Turquoise Cabochon begins as conglomerate rock bearing turquoise from mining district of Bisbee, Arizona. These rocks are consequently cut into slabs with a rock saw. Next, the slabs are cut into smaller oval slabs known as “pre-forms”. These smaller oval slabs are then transformed into dome shapes through sanding with various grit coated wheels. These wheels start with an aggressive grit and end with a very fine grit.

When the stone is shaped into a dome, with a flat bottom for setting in jewelry, it is referred to as a “Cabochon.”

Consequently, the cabochon “dome” is the typical shape that silversmiths use to create turquoise jewelry. The back of the dome is sanded flat to form a surface for jewelry mounting. Often the cabochon has a steel impregnated epoxy added to the flat surface. Most noteworthy, this backing adds strength and stability to the turquoise for years of durability.

Finally, backing can be a positive feature, but it adds weight to the cabochon. Consequently, the price of turquoise cabochons is determined by their weight. The majority of the Bisbee Turquoise that we sell typically includes tan to chocolate brown conglomerate host rock. It is a strong indicator of true, authentic Bisbee Turquoise.

Photography of the turquoise on this website is taken to the best of our ability.
We compare the photograph to the specimen to try and match the true color.
The size of the pictures are expanded to show detail. They are not the actual size.
Dimensions are given with each cabochon. For comparison, a U.S. dime’s diameter is .70 inches or 17.91 mm.

Bisbee Turquoise has not been mined in over 40 years! It has a very distinct appearance. The reddish/brown chocolate matrix is usually the identifying factor. The name “Electric Blue” is sometimes used to describe turquoise from Bisbee, as the dark host rock makes the blue turquoise “Pop.”

We guarantee all the turquoise on this website is AUTHENTIC BISBEE TURQUOISE!
Bisbee Turquoise is one of the most identifiable and most desirable turquoises in the world. It only comes from one place on earth, Bisbee, Arizona.
Bisbee is located about 100 miles Southeast of Tucson, Arizona.
Being so close in proximity, we purchase from local old collections and guarantee the authenticity of our Bisbee cabochons.