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The Paiute turquoise mine consists of a series of nine full claims that run along the southern and western portion of a rock-strewn and sage brush encrusted central Nevada hillside.  Down the southern slope and to the southwest about a half mile, nestled in a small valley dotted with juniper trees, is the Damele mine.

Paiute turquoise forms in veins and occasionally as nuggets in carbonaceous chert and diatomaceous earth. Since it is relatively new to the market, Paiute is a less well known stone. Because of the high quality turquoise the mine produces, however, it will certainly become a strong contender in the contemporary market. Paiute turquoise ranges in color from powder blue with yellow matrix to an intense, electric blue with fine black spider-web matrix. Unique pastel blue turquoise with white polka dots and blue-greens with dark matrix patterns are also found. Paiute turquoise is rare and strikingly beautiful; it has one of the most wide ranging color palates and matrix variables of any known turquoise.

A small, tightly run operation, the Paiute mine is located near Austin, Nevada.  Clyde Wright initially staked the Paiute claim in 1975. Wright lightly worked the mine for a few years, but had turquoise claims all over the Nevada countryside and seems to have been spread very thin. Tony Cotner, an excellent miner, merchandiser and truly colorful character has owned the claims since 1992, when he bought them from Clyde's estate. Mr. Cotner, is also known as"Mean Green".

About the artist:

Toby Henderson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona.  The roots of his family tree are buried deep in the Borrego Pass area of the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. Toby's mother Ella Long, his grandparents, Helen and Jim Long, and his Uncle Phillip Long, and Tommy Long are all silver and gold smiths recognized for high quality and innovative workmanship. Toby learned his art from his grandparents with whom he spent the summer months when he was a young boy. Toby recalls that his Grandparents were patient and inspiring instructors.  They were pleased that he was carrying on the family silversmith tradition.  Toby's work can be described as both traditional and contemporary, he has a special fondness for hand crafted, three-dimensional, sterling silver kachinas and Yei-be-chei figures.  Toby was the first in his family to create these freestanding Holy People figures.  With his daughters and son Toby keeps the family tradition alive.  The boy and girls help with everything from design to buffing and polishing.

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Related legends:

Silversmith Work

When and how the Navajo acquired the art of working metals is unknown but there are reasons for supposing that it was introduced among them, or at least more developed and improved upon by them, since the time they have occupied their present country?

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