Lander Blue Turquoise

Few names carry more weight among turquoise collectors than Lander Blue. Discovered in 1973 in Lander County, Nevada, the Lander Blue deposit was what miners call a “hat mine” — a claim so small that its entire productive area could reportedly be covered with a hat. In total, fewer than 100 pounds of gem-grade turquoise were ever recovered from the site before it was exhausted.

Lander Blue turquoise is prized for its deep blue color and extremely fine, tight black spiderweb matrix, considered by many experts to be the finest example of that pattern in American turquoise. Because so little material was ever produced, and because so much of it was used up decades ago, genuine Lander Blue is exceptionally rare. Cabochons cut from real Lander Blue rough can sell for hundreds of dollars per carat, making it, pound for pound, the most valuable turquoise in the world.

Because of its fame and value, Lander Blue is also one of the most frequently misrepresented turquoise varieties on the market — a great deal of fine black spiderweb turquoise from other Nevada mines gets sold under the Lander Blue name. Authenticating a piece typically requires real expertise or provenance from a trusted, knowledgeable source.

If you're lucky enough to encounter a piece described as genuine Lander Blue, it represents one of the true pinnacles of American turquoise. Learn more about the varieties featured in our collection in our Gemstone Guide.