$46.00
A .75-inch Kingman turquoise nugget from Arizona’s historic 1970 mining era, showing vibrant sky-blue hues with natural brown matrix. A rare vintage collector specimen.
In stock
This .75-inch Kingman turquoise nugget originates from material mined in Kingman, Arizona, during the active 1970s extraction period — a time when hand-sorted turquoise was exported worldwide for Native American jewelry and lapidary use. The nugget retains its natural surface texture and mottled brown host matrix, showcasing the authentic appearance of unaltered, stabilized-free turquoise from this iconic locality.
Turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate mineral that forms as a secondary deposit within arid copper-rich regions. In the Kingman area, hydrothermal solutions percolated through weathered host rock, precipitating turquoise veins and nodules in fractures and cavities.
The Kingman Mine, located in the Cerbat Mountains of northwestern Arizona, is one of the oldest and most productive turquoise sources in North America. 1970s-era material is particularly prized for its bright “robin’s-egg” blue and the presence of contrasting iron-oxide matrix, features that defined Southwest jewelry design of that decade.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Phosphate |
| Chemical Formula | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O |
| Crystal System | Triclinic |
| Mohs Hardness | 5 – 6 |
| Locality / Formation Type | Kingman Mine, Cerbat Mountains, Arizona – Copper Phosphate Vein Deposit |
The Kingman Mine has been worked since prehistoric times by Indigenous peoples, later rediscovered in the 1880s by Anglo miners. During the 1970s, turquoise experienced a cultural resurgence, becoming central to Native American silversmithing traditions of the Navajo and Zuni artisans. Material from this decade is considered “vintage” and is known for its deep blue tone, hardness, and minimal stabilization.
Owning a piece from this era connects collectors directly to the legacy of American lapidary craft and Arizona’s mineral heritage.
Turquoise has long symbolized protection, communication, and endurance. The angelic blue of Kingman turquoise echoes the expansive Arizona sky and desert landscape — a reminder of both earth and air in perfect balance. Collectors view 1970s nuggets as timeless expressions of authenticity, artistry, and the enduring spirit of the Southwest.
This nugget shows a classic blue-green color with brown-to-black web matrix characteristic of vintage Kingman material. Subtle polish highlights its natural contours without losing the rugged charm of an original mine find. At .75 inch, it serves as a display specimen, lapidary cutting rough, or centerpiece in historical gemstone collections.
Clean gently with a soft cloth; avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning, or prolonged exposure to moisture. Store away from direct sunlight to maintain natural color stability.
| Weight | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | .75 × .50 × .50 in |
