BISBEE
Considered one of the finest domestic turquoises. Bisbee is best recognized for its deep blue color and brownish/red martix. Smokey Bisbee often has a lavender color in its depth unseen in any other turquoise. The beautiful blue colors of Bisbee, mixed with the ever changing matrix makes this turquoise highly valued.
The Bisbee mine is located in Bisbee, AZ. Mining operations started in 1917 by the Phelps Dodge copper mine, with turquoise being a by product of the copper being mined. Between 1920's-50's high grade Bisbee was found and sold on the market. In 1975 Phelps Dodge halted copper mining production. Between 1970 and 2008 most all of the Bisbee was collected from the dumps, with the top grades being sold to select individuals and Native American jewelers. The material that was left was treated (stabilized) and sold to the public. The Lavender pit dump was covered up and closed to any and all access in 2012. Natural, untreated Bisbee is rare and quite collectible in today's market.
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