Chaco Canyon reveals how turquoise shaped trade, culture and craftsmanship in the ancient Southwest and sparked Americas lasting fascination with the gemstone.
Explore the hidden gems of the state! Our comprehensive article will guide you to the best spots and techniques for finding turquoise in Arizona.
As newspapers headlined the story of Chaco Canyons turquoise treasure, demand for turquoise began to soar and the blue-green gemstone, now forever linked to the mystique of a pre-Columbian Native American culture, gained recognition as the Southwests iconic gemstone.
In the vicinity of Chaco Canyon, turquoise is often found in sedimentary rock, specifically in areas with volcanic activity. The presence of copper, aluminum, and other trace elements contributes to the stunning blue and green hues that make this gemstone so desirable.
This Turquoise facts section of the site will help you find the locations of Turquoise Mines and sources of Turquoise. Most Turquoise deposits are in arid to semi-arid regions in igneous rock formations that contain high copper concentrations.
The best places to collect rocks in Arizona include the areas around Phoenix and Tucson, as well as smaller towns such as Cave Creek, Clifton, Morristown, and Kingman. These locations offer a diverse array of rock and mineral specimens such as agate, jasper, petrified wood, turquoise, and copper.
