This state – Nevada, is above all mining state. Check our post about gold. About 20 different minerals are being extracted as I am writing this. Nevada is the place to be for turquoise. At one time there were hundreds of mines active, that is now down to 100. But that is still a very respectful number. The era of prospecting and mining is not over yet. Those sourdoughs are still out there, this time with a pickup truck and winch. No more donkeys (asses actually. Specifically Assyrian asses). Some of the old mines are legendary. Kingman mines for example. the turquoise mined there is very distinctive because of its strong markings. Or the Sleeping Beauty mine, that produced turquoise that is the exact opposite of Kingman turquoise, no inclusions at all, just an irresistible light, baby blue.Only one mine sells directly to the public, as far as I know. It may not be feasible for a visit. Kingman is about one hundred miles distant from the strip. If I were a visitor to Nevada I would definitely check into buying some turquoise. I bought a squash necklace in about 1975. It now is worth thousands. I think I paid $65 at the time. A good place to find bargains are the antique stores that are very popular here. Or the western stores that specialize in that merchandise. As always the motto here is buyer beware. The specimen shown is a very nice, jewelry grade piece.

We are strong supporters of the arts. We donate this expensive space to deserving artists. This month it is an author. Here are three of his books; Nevada a Strange State, Silveropolis, The Great Lake Mead Water Caper. If you like to help buy one of his books. They are on Amazon. I like Silveropolis a lot . The tension is huge.