Sonoran Mountain Turquoise (Mex) 4x6mm Oval Bead Strand, 16 Inch Strand
These have been stabilized using the Zachary treatment method. The Zachery treatment is a proprietary, non-toxic process developed in the 1980s that enhances turquoise by reducing porosity, increasing density, and improving color and polish. Unlike plastic stabilization, it does not use dyes or resins, but increases potassium levels, making the stone more durable and resistant to oils.
Sonoran Turquoise The area in which sonoran turquoise is mined has a rich history in the Sonora Desert, a region that has been a source of high-quality turquoise for centuries. The mine is located at Campitos Mountain, just outside of Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, only about 35 miles from the Arizona border. The local economy is heavily dependent on the large copper mines in the area, with turquoise often being a by-product of these operations. Several varieties of turquoise are produced in the region, with Campitos Turquoise being the most prominent. This turquoise has been mined for centuries and traded northward through Native American trade routes. Sonoran turquoise is unique in that it is typically found in clay deposits as nuggets, rather than in veins like many other types of turquoise. The Sonoran mine is known for producing a range of turquoise varieties, including Sonoran Gold, which is admired for its vibrant colors such as aqua blue, lime, bright green, and a mix of blue and green, often with a golden to brown matrix. Sonoran Rose is a natural bright blue turquoise, hand-mined from newer deposits, while Sonoran Blue is prized for its hardness on the Mohs scale, as well as its shiny pyrite flakes and black oxide veins. Just like most turquoise, however, Sonoran turquoise is relatively soft, which is why a significant portion of it is treated or stabilized to enhance its durability for use in jewelry and other applications.
