Kingman Turquoise

The Kingman mine in Mohave County, Arizona is one of the largest and most productive turquoise mines in North America, and its name has become nearly synonymous with classic American turquoise. Kingman turquoise helped define what most people picture when they think of Southwestern turquoise jewelry: a bright, saturated blue often called "high blue" in the trade.

Kingman is best known for rounded, vivid blue nuggets set against a black spiderweb or solid black matrix, though the mine has also produced greener material and lighter blues over its long history. Natural, untreated old Kingman turquoise is relatively rare and highly valued, since much of the material sold under the Kingman name today has been stabilized to meet high demand. The mine has been worked for well over a century and remains active, making it one of the few historic American turquoise sources still in production.

Because of its abundance and consistency, Kingman turquoise became a workhorse stone for generations of Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi silversmiths, and it remains one of the most commonly used turquoise varieties in both vintage and contemporary Native American jewelry. Its reliable bright blue color and strong matrix contrast make it instantly recognizable even to casual collectors.

Shopping for vintage pieces set with Kingman turquoise? Look for that classic bright blue paired with a bold black web — it's one of the most iconic looks in American turquoise. Browse our Gemstone Guide for more on the stones featured throughout our collection.