Turquoise is a popular semi-precious gemstone that has been used in jewelry and other decorative objects for thousands of years. Two of the most well-known varieties of turquoise are Kingman turquoise and Sleeping Beauty turquoise. Both come from mines in the southwestern United States and have unique colors and patterns that make them prized by jewelers and collectors. However, there are some key differences between Kingman and Sleeping Beauty turquoise that affect their appearance and value.
Where Kingman and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Are Mined
Kingman turquoise comes from a number of mines located near Kingman, Arizona. The mineral was first discovered in the 1880s and mining began in earnest in the 1920s. The area around Kingman has produced a significant portion of the world’s turquoise. Major Kingman mines include the Blue Bird, Castle Dome, Ithaca Peak, and Mineral Park mines.
In contrast, Sleeping Beauty turquoise comes from the Sleeping Beauty Mine located near Globe, Arizona. The Sleeping Beauty Mine was already known for its production of gold and silver when high quality turquoise was discovered there in the 1930s. The mine was purchased by the Edgar family in 1959 and renamed after the turquoise found there. The Sleeping Beauty Mine is known for producing natural, unaltered turquoise of great color and purity.
Color Differences
One of the most noticeable differences between Kingman and Sleeping Beauty turquoise is their range of colors. Kingman turquoise generally has a light sky blue color, sometimes with hints of green. The turquoise mined near Kingman tends to have a pale, washed out appearance compared to other varieties.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for its vibrant robin’s egg blue color. It has a deeper, richer blue hue than Kingman that does not fade or “chalk” over time. The striking blue makes Sleeping Beauty turquoise highly desirable for jewelry and other uses where color is paramount.
| Turquoise Type | Typical Color Range |
|---|---|
| Kingman | Pale sky blue, sometimes with hints of green |
| Sleeping Beauty | Vibrant robin’s egg blue |
Matrix Patterns
In addition to color, the matrix patterns seen in turquoise also differ between Kingman and Sleeping Beauty. The “matrix” refers to the webbing of veins that run through turquoise stones. Kingman turquoise tends to have an irregular matrix with dark brown or black veins throughout the stone. The matrix can appear chaotic and is sometimes referred to as “spiderweb matrix.”
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for its lack of matrix. It has very little veining or webbing compared to other turquoise varieties. Any matrix present usually consists of thin golden brown veins. The minimal matrix allows the blue color to really stand out in Sleeping Beauty stones.
| Turquoise Type | Typical Matrix Patterns |
|---|---|
| Kingman | Irregular dark brown/black veining (“spiderweb matrix”) |
| Sleeping Beauty | Very little veining, thin golden brown veins if present |
Durability and Stability
An important distinction between Kingman and Sleeping Beauty turquoise is durability and color stability. As a softer stone, Kingman turquoise is relatively fragile and prone to cracking, flaking, or chalking. Over time, Kingman stones may become paler as the blue color fades. This makes Kingman turquoise less ideal for jewelry that will be subject to frequent wear and tear. Stabilization treatments are often used to improve the durability of Kingman stones.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for its exceptional hardness and durability. With a Mohs hardness of 6, it is less likely to be damaged during cutting or setting. It also maintains its vibrant blue color extremely well over time with no fading or chalking. This makes it ideal for use in jewelry and other objects that will be worn or displayed long-term. Sleeping Beauty turquoise does not require stabilization treatment.
| Turquoise Type | Durability and Color Stability |
|---|---|
| Kingman | Softer stone, prone to cracking/chalking. Fades over time. |
| Sleeping Beauty | Very hard and durable. Color remains stable long-term. |
Values and Pricing
Due to differences in color, matrix, and durability, Kingman and Sleeping Beauty turquoise also differ significantly in value. Kingman turquoise is relatively abundant and available, so it tends to be affordable, especially for lower grades. Kingman cabochons can often be found for $1-$50 per carat. Exceptionally high-grade Kingman with rare matrix patterns may reach up to $100 per carat.
In contrast, natural untreated Sleeping Beauty turquoise is rare and can command very high prices. Premium grade Sleeping Beauty cabochons begin around $100 per carat and can reach $1,000+ per carat for top specimens with perfect color and no matrix. The value results from Sleeping Beauty’s unmatched blue color, clarity, and durability.
| Turquoise Type | Typical Pricing |
|---|---|
| Kingman | $1-$100 per carat |
| Sleeping Beauty | $100+ per carat, up to $1000+ for premium |
Availability and Production
Availability also differs between the two turquoises. Kingman turquoise is still actively mined today and is readily available on the market. Tons of Kingman rough and finished stones can be found from suppliers in Arizona and beyond. While individual Kingman mines have opened and closed over time, new mining claims continue to produce more Kingman turquoise.
In contrast, the Sleeping Beauty Mine stopped turquoise production when it closed in 2012. The limited existing supply comes from old mine stockpiles and private collections. No new Sleeping Beauty turquoise has been mined in a decade, making it increasingly rare. Once the Sleeping Beauty turquoise currently available has been used up, no more can be produced. This scarcity greatly adds to its value.
Enhancements
An important distinction is that Kingman turquoise is routinely enhanced, while Sleeping Beauty turquoise is almost always unaltered. As softer, fractured stones, most Kingman turquoise on the market has been stabilized with plastic resin to improve durability. Dyes may also be used to alter the color. Enhancements should always be disclosed, as they lower the value compared to natural untreated stones.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized in its completely natural form, with no treatments. The stones do not require stabilization and their superior blue color cannot be replicated by dyes. Buyers should be wary of any Sleeping Beauty being sold as “enhanced,” as that is a red flag it may be misrepresented or fake. Natural Sleeping Beauty commands a huge premium compared to treated stones.
Sources and Locations
The different source mines also mean Kingman and Sleeping Beauty turquoise are acquired from different regional markets. Kingman turquoise is readily available across the American Southwest, especially around Arizona and New Mexico where it is mined. Major dealers in Tucson, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico often specialize in Kingman material.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is primarily found through dealers based around Globe, Arizona near the mine itself. Secondary markets exist in Tucson and other Southwestern cities. However, the decreasing supply means buyers may have to search diligently to find natural Sleeping Beauty from reputable sellers.
Conclusion
While Kingman and Sleeping Beauty are both high quality American turquoises, they have distinct differences affecting their appearance, pricing, and availability. In summary:
– Kingman turquoise has a pale sky blue color with dark spiderweb matrix, while Sleeping Beauty has a vibrant blue hue with minimal golden matrix.
– Softer Kingman requires stabilization but is affordable, while hard Sleeping Beauty with stable color is rare and expensive.
– Kingman is still actively mined and readily available, while the limited supply of Sleeping Beauty comes from old stockpiles.
– Kingman is routinely enhanced but Sleeping Beauty is found unaltered in a natural state.
For jewelers, collectors, and anyone seeking American turquoise, being aware of these differences can help inform buying decisions and ensure legitimate materials are obtained. Both Kingman and Sleeping Beauty have their own merits, but preferences for color, matrix, longevity, and cost may steer choices between the two. With knowledge and careful sourcing, buyers can select the ideal turquoise type for their needs.
