Number 8 Turquoise Cabochon B004

This collector's Number 8 turquoise cabochon is all natural and backed for extra strength. It weighs a total of 10.1 carats and is being offered at $40 per carat.

The Number Eight (Number 8 or #8) turquoise mine in Eureka County north of Carlin, Nevada was reportedly discovered in 1925 and first mined in 1929. At present, the mine is depleted of turquoise and the area is mined for gold.

The Number 8 mine produced some of the largest nuggets of turquoise ever discovered. Almost all the turquoise produced is of the spider web type, with the matrix varying from golden brown and reds to black. The colors grade from very light blue to very dark blue, some with interesting tints of green. As with most mines, Number 8 turquoise has certain characteristic colors and matrix patterns that are easily identified. Today, high quality natural Number 8 turquoise is quite rare and highly valued by collectors.