Number 8 Turquoise

The Number 8 Mine, located near Carlin, Nevada, was first worked in 1929 and remained productive until its material was largely exhausted. In its prime, it produced some of the largest turquoise nuggets ever recovered in the United States, and it remains one of the most storied names in American turquoise.

Number 8 turquoise is best recognized by its bright, powdery blue background color, set off by a spiderweb matrix that ranges from golden brown to jet black depending on the piece. High-grade material tends toward a deeper blue with fine black webbing, while more commonly seen material runs lighter blue with a delicate brown web. Both looks have made Number 8 a favorite in vintage Southwestern jewelry.

Because the mine has been closed for years, Number 8 turquoise has only grown more valuable and sought-after over time. It's considered one of the most highly collected turquoise varieties in the world, and pieces of vintage jewelry featuring authentic Number 8 stones are treated as prized finds by serious collectors.

Look for that signature powder-blue color and spiderweb matrix if you're hoping to identify genuine Number 8 turquoise in a piece of vintage jewelry. Browse our Gemstone Guide to explore more of the American turquoise varieties in our collection.