Turquoise is one of the most loved blue-green stones in the world. People wear it as gemstone jewelry and keep it for good luck. But many people wonder — how many turquoise mines are there around the world? The answer is not simple because turquoise is found in many different countries, and some mines are very old while others are still active today. Let’s learn about them in very easy words.

What Is a Turquoise Mine?

A turquoise mine is a place where turquoise stones are taken out from the earth. These mines can be big or small. Some are deep inside mountains, and some are just small open spots on the ground. In some places, turquoise has been mined for thousands of years.

Each mine produces a different kind of turquoise. Some stones are sky blue, some are greenish-blue, and some have dark lines called “matrix.”

How Many Turquoise Mines Exist?

There are hundreds of turquoise mines around the world. No one knows the exact number because:

• Some mines are very old and closed long ago.

• Some are small family mines that are not recorded.

• New turquoise spots are still being found.

If we count all the old and new mines together, there are over 200 turquoise mines across the world — maybe even more!

Major Turquoise Mines Around the World

Let’s look at the most famous turquoise mines from different countries.

🇮🇷 Iran (Persian Turquoise Mines)

Iran is home to some of the oldest and most famous turquoise mines in the world. The turquoise from Iran is called Persian Turquoise. It is bright sky blue and very clear, which makes it very special.

Neyshabur Mine

• Located near Mashhad, Iran.

• Over 2,000 years old.

• Known for its beautiful, clean blue color.

• Used in crowns and jewelry of kings and queens in history.

Persian turquoise from Neyshabur is still considered the best quality turquoise in the world.

🇺🇸 United States (American Turquoise Mines)

The United States has many turquoise mines, especially in the southwest region. Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico are full of turquoise areas.

Sleeping Beauty Mine (Arizona)

• Famous for its smooth, sky-blue stones.

• The stones have no matrix (lines), which makes them look pure blue.

• Very popular in modern jewelry.

Kingman Mine (Arizona)

• One of the oldest and largest turquoise mines in America.

• Produces blue stones with black or brown matrix.

Bisbee Mine (Arizona)

• Known for deep blue turquoise with dark chocolate-brown lines.

• Now closed, so Bisbee turquoise is rare and expensive.

Royston Mine (Nevada)

• Makes blue and green stones mixed together.

• Each stone from Royston looks different and beautiful.

Lone Mountain Mine (Nevada)

• Produces high-quality turquoise with spiderweb matrix.

• Used in fine jewelry and collectibles.

There are more than 100 turquoise mines in the United States, but many are now closed or only produce small amounts.

🇨🇳 China (Chinese Turquoise Mines)

China has become one of the largest turquoise producers today. Many turquoise jewelry pieces sold around the world come from China.

Hubei Mines

• Found in Hubei Province, central China.

• Produce turquoise in many colors — sky blue, green, and yellow-green.

• Chinese turquoise is often used for carving statues and beads.

Chinese turquoise is very important for the global market because it supplies a big amount of turquoise each year.

🇹🇯 Tibet (Tibetan Turquoise Mines)

In Tibet, turquoise is not just a stone — it is a spiritual symbol. People believe it brings peace and protection.

Lhasa Region Mines

• Found near the Himalayan mountains.

• The stones are greenish-blue with natural lines.

• Tibetan turquoise is often worn by monks and locals for good luck.

Tibetan turquoise is considered very sacred and full of energy.

🇪🇬 Egypt (Ancient Egyptian Mines)

Egypt has some of the oldest turquoise mines in the world. Thousands of years ago, the ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry, crowns, and tombs.

Sinai Peninsula Mines

• Used since 3000 BC (over 5,000 years ago).

• Found near the Red Sea.

• Egyptians called turquoise “Mafkat,” meaning “Gem of Joy.”

• The turquoise here was used in the treasures of Queen Cleopatra.

These ancient mines are mostly closed today, but they tell us a lot about the early history of gemstones.

🇲🇽 Mexico (Mexican Turquoise Mines)

Mexico also has turquoise mines, especially in the northern parts.

Sonora Mines

• Found near the border with the U.S.

• Produce bright blue stones, sometimes with golden or brown matrix.

• Mexican turquoise is used in traditional Native and local jewelry.

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (Kazakh Turquoise Mines)

Kazakhstan is known for its unique greenish-blue turquoise.

Chicty Mine

• Produces rare turquoise with spiderweb-like matrix.

• Stones are harder and more durable.

Kazakh turquoise is gaining attention for its strong color and quality.

🇨🇱 Chile (Chilean Turquoise Mines)

Chile has small turquoise mines in its northern areas. The stones are not very common but have a bright sky-blue shade.

🇦🇺 Australia (Australian Turquoise Mines)

Australia also has some turquoise deposits, especially in New South Wales and Queensland. These mines are small but produce light blue to green stones.

Why It’s Hard to Count All the Mines

Turquoise mines open and close over time. Some stop when stones run out. Some new ones open when turquoise is found near copper or gold mines. Because of this, the number of turquoise mines keeps changing.

The Beauty of Every Mine

Each turquoise mine gives a different color and look. That’s why collectors love to know where their turquoise came from. The stone from one mine might be pure blue, while another might have dark lines or green shades. Every piece tells the story of the land it came from.

Final Thoughts

So, how many turquoise mines are there in the world?
There are hundreds of turquoise mines spread across Iran, the U.S., China, Tibet, Egypt, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Chile, and Australia. Some are very old and full of stories, while others are still working today.

Every mine adds something special to the world of turquoise — its own color, shape, and history. Turquoise is not just a stone. It is a gift from the earth that connects many lands and cultures together.