Damele Turquoise

Damele turquoise jewelry has become highly collectible mainly due to the character and interest found in this wonderfully distinctive turquoise, which is very hard, and visually appealing. Damele turquoise forms in veins and occasionally as nuggets in carbonaceous chert and also diatomaceous earth. Stones from this mine range in color from pure lime-green through bright chartreuse; yellow with black webbing; white; orange and brown; a caramel color turquoise with bright green polka dots, and small black nuggets with bright yellow-green bumps poking out of the black matrix. Typically the turquoise contains black, brown, or tan matrix but Damele turquoise itself is not typical by any standard.

A small, tightly run operation, the Damele mine is located thirty miles east of Austin, Nevada. The mine is located on The Dry Creek Ranch owned by the Damele family. There, they raise unique horses that carry the Damele name. Benny Damele discovered the mine sometime around 1973. Soon thereafter, Clyde Wright became involved in mining the claim and worked it for approximately eighteen years. Tony Cotner, an excellent miner, merchandiser and truly colorful character, has owned the claim since 1990 when he bought it from Benny Damele. Mr. Cotner, also known as “Mean Green", states there is an ancient subtropical zone located beneath the mine that may be responsible for the unusual colors associated with Damele turquoise although he is unsure whether the organic environment has anything to do with the coloration.

Since Damele turquoise is mined by a character and handled by characters at Twin Rocks Trading Post, it is only natural that we prefer stones chockfull of character as well. The next time you are traveling down U.S. Highway 191 in southern Utah, make sure you stop in and visit our cast of characters. We believe you will greatly enjoy the experience.

Chemical composition of turquoise: CuAl,(PO404(OH)8.4H2O.

About the artist:

Since 1959, Albert Jake has made his home in the beautiful country located about forty miles south of Gallup, New Mexico.  He was born at Zuni Pueblo and has resided in the village of Ramah for many years.  Albert’s parent taught him the many steps to fine Navajo silverwork which includes both cluster jewelry as well as beautiful stones in classic Navajo settings.

See full biography

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

Certificate of Authenticity