RARE Dry Creek Turquoise (Nevada) Matching Earring Slab Bead Pair 18x33mm
In the early 1990's a very pale blue (almost white) turquoise was discovered in the original Dry Creek mine (aka: the Godber-Burnam mine). This is called Dry Creek Turquoise. The scarcity of the heavy metals in this area caused the stones to be a very rare pale blue and nearly white. Thus it was referred to by many as "Sacred Buffalo Turquoise," but was not marketed as such by the owners of the mine. At first, turquoise jewelers were not interested in this material, however they soon realized how rare it was, making it irresistible! Another white material thought to be white turquoise was also found in this mine, but when tested, turned out to be Aluminite. In Tonopah, Nevada the Otteson family, who are well known turquoise miners, claimed to have unearthed rare veins of material that were white and hard enough to take a polish. They call it "White Turquoise" from the White Buffalo Mine. Although many are skeptical, I can not find information that clearly proves one way or the other. The fact is that most turquoise mines yield light to white material that is so soft, it is like chalk. It is unsuitable for polishing into stones, yet when tested, does prove positive for the elements of turquoise. It can be stabilized, but that almost always brings out the darker blue or green color we've come to expect.
Don't be fooled by imposter stones
There are two other stones that are important to mention as they are often sold as, or mistaken for white turquoise. Howlite has for many years been dyed blue and used as imitation turquoise, but when left in its natural state with its grayish veins appears remarkably similar to what one might think is white turquoise. The other is Magnesite, now being marketed as "Crazy Horse." Magnesite, a creamy ivory white stone with a rich brown veining is a beautiful stone all on its own merit. But don't be fooled, neither of these stones are white turquoise.
