Sunday, May 16, 2010

Cripple Creek Ribbon Turquoise

Cripple Creek in Teller, Colorado, like many other mines in the Southwest, is more commonly associated with gold fortune than turquoise yield. Turquoise is simply a byproduct of gold digging operations. Turquoise is normally found in veins in surrounding rock matrix in the way the turquoise above is shown imbeded in the cabochon. Ribbon turquoise, also called boulder turquoise, is very common. Rarely, one will find a fleck of gold in a piece, but I've not yet had that little lottery pleasure. Nonetheless, I think ribbon turquoise makes a beautiful gem piece. Oscar Alexsius has done a great job of showcasing this prize worthy cabochon in a traditional Navajo sterling silver bracelet. Price tag $389.