BISBEE TURQUOISE
“Bisbee Blue” is a name given to turquoise that originates from the Bisbee Mine, near Bisbee, Arizona, in Cochise County, USA. The term refers to the turquoise that is primarily a by-product of the large copper mining operation owned by the Phelps-Dodge company. The best material came from the area known as the Lavender Pit. Bisbee turquoise is perhaps one of the most valued turquoise ever produced. Bisbee Turquoise has a reputation as a hard, webbed stone with high blue color, ranging from sky blue to a dark lavender blue. The matrix patterns vary, but can be characterized by the deep chocolate brown to black webbing. Ranging from medium to dark blue the turquoise is accented by red, black or brown matrix, often called "smoky Bisbee". Green shades have also been found.
