Turquoise is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral used in jewelry. It has been extracted from at least 6000 BC by the Egyptians. Like other opaque as coral, turquoise, is sold by the size in millimeters rather than by weight.

Turquoise is usually found sandstone layers and can be seen as spots or as a vein network of brown or black running through the sandstone. There are many mining operations are small-scale work by hand. Only one mine in Apache Canyon California operates a commercial capacity today.

With a hardness of just under 6 on the hardness of the window glass, this gemstone has a good polish. It comes in white, blue, green, brown, yellow and all shades in between. The value of the turquoise you will find is determined by the richness of color. Robin's Egg usually the most valuable. More than a hug or clarification green color decreases the value. Turquoise should never be soft or colored chalk.

Turquoise is typically found in arid regions of the world and some high quality gemstones have been found in the southwestern United States such as Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.

More than 120 mines have produced significant quantities of gem quality turquoise in Nevada. Nevada mines are primarily worked in the gemstone is put on to other mining areas, where turquoise is usually the result of the product of other mining activities. The geological formation of Nevada turquoise, it's hard dense and generally does not require any treatment or improvements that is used in jewelry.

The Royston mining district located near Tonapah, Nevada, conducts visits mining center Wednesday to Saturday, excluding holidays. For $ 100 per person, you will receive a bucket to fill picking through the piles of tailings. You will need to wear gloves, hat, sunscreen, water, and a good pair of shoes.

The mines in Royston have been in operation since 1902 and in 1915 more than Value of $ 5,000,000 has been deleted turquoise mines. Are believed to have been the largest single producing turquoise mine in America at that time.

Mina La Otteson also offers mine tours, Wednesday through Friday, except holidays. For $ 50 per person you receive a collecting bucket to fill through tailings piles.

Turquoise is found throughout the southwestern United States. Always contact the states Bureau of Land Management for any fees or permit requirements before treasure hunting on public land. Also get permission from landowners before hunting private property.

Arizona turquoise has been near Albuquerque, Bisbee, Cave Creek, Globe, Kingman, Turquoise and mountains Birdeyes.

In California turquoise has been found in San Bernardo, Imperial, Inyo, and counties.

In Colorado, search Conejos, Lake, El Paso and Saguache counties.

In Nevada, the search for Clark, Elko, Esmeralda County, Eureka, Lander, Mineral County and Nye counties.

New Mexico, Eddy, Grant, Otero, and Santa Fe.

Tools you will need to find turquoise Pick Ax, stone hammer, gloves, safety glasses, bucket. Remember that you are for arid regions of the world, so appropriate clothing is a necessity. Wear layered clothing because the weather can change very quickly in these areas. Water, hat and a good sunscreen is essential.

Happy treasure hunting.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting

gold mining, gold prospecting equipment . panning for gold,