Labashan Turquoise Cabochon D593

This Labashan turquoise cabochon is all natural and backed for extra strength.

The Labashan, or Trumpet Mountain, mine is located in Zhushan County of the Shiyan Prefecture.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), as part of an effort to increase diplomatic relations, this mine was given to Tibet and a large monastery was built nearby. In the mornings and at night to signal their prayer ceremonies, the Tibetans would blow their long horns which would echo throughout the valley. The nearby Chinese residents came to call the mountain Laba Shan, or Trumpet Mountain. For many decades the mine was worked by the Tibetans, who sent much of the rough back to their home country.

While the mine is now most noted for its hard, clear blue turquoise which is often used for carvings and beads, I was able to secure a small parcel of this exceptional black web material, which formed in veins instead of the nuggets typically found at the mine.