What's in a Number? My Favorite Turquoise Mine

If you truly love turquoise, you probably have a favorite mine. My favorite comes from the famous - and now-defunct - Number 8 mine in Carlin, Nevada. While some turquoise aficionados seek out stones with little to no matrix, like Sleeping Beauty, I prefer the mottled character that comes with Number 8.

This beautiful stone was first mined in 1929 in the rugged mountains of Eureka County, NV. The mine changed hands a few times while it produced. At one point in the early 1930s, it was owned by my friend Mort’s grandad, Ted Johnson, who was quite well-known among the Nevada mining community — small world, huh?! It became famous in the 1950s when the Edgar brothers purchased it and found 1,600 pounds of high-grade, gem-quality turquoise. It changed hands again and the mine finally closed down for good by 1976 when the new land owners, a gold mining company, decided they no longer wanted to renew the lease for turquoise mining.

What makes this stone so coveted? Despite its humble name, Number 8 turquoise comes in a vivid array of rich blues. However, one of the most distinctive characteristics of this turquoise is its renowned matrix. This intricate pattern, often resembling a spiderweb, is formed by contrasting red, golden-brown, or black mineral veins intersecting across the turquoise surface. The matrix adds depth and character to the gem, enhancing its allure and making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Number 8 turquoise jewelry at oaktownwendy I'm always excited to get my hands on Number 8 cabochons to be made into jewelry, but I'm especially thrilled to have met a lapidary artist in Bodega who has an immense collection of natural (not stabilized) Number 8 rough material. His own dad was a miner back in the day and I could spend hours at his booth whenever I see him at the gem fairs. I procured some rough slabs (above) of this amazing gem earlier this year so I can cut and polish them to my own specifications and I look forward to introducing them to you soon!

Meanwhile, I do have some one-of-a-kind Number 8 adjustable rings and necklaces available at oaktownwendy. Come on over and check them out!