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Chinese Turquoise Mines
Chinese/Tibetan Turquoise
Hubei - Dragon Skin - Emperor's Turquoise - Blue Ridge
There
is evidence of turquoise use in China dating at least as far back as 1700 BC
as evidenced by a bronze plaque with turquoise overlay from the Erlitou culture
site in Menan Province displayed at the Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.
Although some turquoise was mined in China in ancient times, more commonly it
was acquired in trade with Mongols, Persians, and Turks. Mostly the Chinese
used turquoise for carvings and other art. Jade has been the preferred stone
for jewelry in Chinese culture. The Tibetians, on the other hand, have preferred
turquoise to any other gemstone and virtually every Tibetian possesses some
turquoise. Believed to bring good luck, it is worn set in rings and bracelets,
as beads in necklaces, and as adornment directly on hats and other clothing.
Domestic animals such as horses wear necklaces of felt with turquoise sewn on.
Today China has mines that produce a great deal of turquoise. Northwest of Shanghai
is the Ma'ashan turquoise mine, and the Hubei Province produces turquoise in
colors reminiscent of the now closed mines in Nevada. This turquoise ranges
in color from sky blue to spring green as well. Today there are no known producing
mines. Chinese turquoise has usually been stabilized, meaning a clear epoxy
has been applied to the surface to harden the stone before setting. A side effect
of the process is that stabilized stone is less likely to absorb lotions and
body oils, which may change the color of the stone over time. Turquoise from
mines in China accounts for about 80% of the stone on the U.S. market today,
due to the scarcity of American turquoise. Only a handful of turquoise mines
in the American southwest are commercially operating. Unfortunately this turquoise
and its dealers has put most of the American miners out of business. We just
can't make a dollar or two per day breaking our backs! It is a shame that the
Chinese did not treat these mines with respect, they could have been the Debeers
of Turquoise, when this stuff first hit the market there was material that you
could not tell was Chinese or Lander Blue. Great stuff, I can't wait till the
American market appreciates it more.
Example Pictures are not necessarily the highest of grade, rather a good example of a common look from a particular mine.
I will continue to add to this list and eventually attempt to have a listing of all turquoise mines that have existed in China. I need your help! If you know of another legitimate mining operation or old mine claim in China, contact me at: durangodillon@gmail.com
