Anlgo High Grade Natural Nugget Cut Carico Lake Turquoise Necklace - Bruce Eckhardt (#21)
$2,995.00
Artist: Bruce Eckhardt
Length: 19 1/2"
Largest Nugget: .67" x .69"
Bruce Eckhardt discovered a stash of Carico Lake turquoise while traveling the back roads of central Nevada. He purchased the rough material from a retired miner, and this wonderful necklace is the end result. Bruce is one of the best bead makers in all the land, and this turquoise was extremely well suited to his skill set. This Carico Lake turquoise is hard and durable, the matrix pattern adds contrast and the pastel blue of the beads is pleasantly soothing. I'd say Bruce's discovery worked out well in all respects.
Carico Lake Turquoise
The Carico Lake turquoise mine is located in Lander County, Nevada, in the Carico Lake region. Carico Lake is a rather large, active mining district encompassing several claims that produce a wide variety and quality of graded blue and green turquoise; some with golden limonite matrix. Carico Lake turquoise is also found with a dark blue-green color laced with a black or brown spider web matrix. In addition to turquoise, mines in this district are known to produce faustite, a bright, Granny Smith, apple-green mineral first identified in 1953. Faustite is similar to turquoise except that it contains zinc rather than copper.
The Carico Lake mine has produced rare psuedomorph clams. These beautiful "fossilized" turquoise clams are found in the dried lakebed. The clams are believed to have been dissolved, leaving cavities that were filled with turquoise and faustite deposits.
Originally discovered in 1911, turquoise from the Carico Lake district has been marketed under several different names, including Aurora and Stone Cabin. These claims have been mined by noted Nevada prospectors such as August Stenich and later by J.W. Edgar. The mine is now owned and closely managed by Ernie Montoya. Mr. Montoya has invested heavily in Carico Lake turquoise, re-establishing the mine as one of the larger producers in Nevada. Working over 100 claims, Mr. Montoya has produced a fair amount of turquoise. High-grade turquoise is, however, still fairly uncommon. The unique range and variety of colors and scarcity of natural, gem grade Carico Lake turquoise make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Related legends:
Precious Stones Turquoise; Precious stones have symbolic implications. For example, turquoise if a "collective term for all the precious stones, wealth, or mixed offerings. Good fortune is attributed to this stone." Both white shell and turquoise are emphasized in Kinaalda? More about this legend