Carico Lake Turquoise

Lander County, Nevada

Spring-green to blue-green with iridescent quality.

Where it comes from

The Carico Lake mine sits in Lander County, Nevada, named for the dry lake bed near the mining site. It's been producing turquoise for decades, though output has always been relatively limited compared to bigger operations like Kingman. That limited production is part of what makes Carico Lake turquoise so sought after by collectors and jewelers who know what they're looking at.

The mine is situated in the kind of remote Nevada landscape where you'd drive right past it without a second glance. Nothing about the terrain hints at what's underneath. But the turquoise that comes out of this ground is unlike almost anything else on the market.

What it looks like

Carico Lake is best known for its green. Not just any green, but a spring-green to blue-green that has a freshness and vibrancy you don't see in most other American turquoise. The higher zinc content in the stone is what pushes the color toward green, and the result is a shade that feels alive.

Some Carico Lake stones also display a subtle iridescent quality that catches the light differently depending on the angle. It's not flashy or glittery. It's more like a soft inner glow that makes the stone look like it's lit from within. Matrix varies from minimal to moderate, usually in brown or dark tones that frame the green beautifully.

What makes it special

In a market dominated by blue turquoise, Carico Lake's green stands out immediately. It appeals to collectors who want something that reads as turquoise but doesn't look like everything else in the case. The iridescent quality of high-grade stones adds another layer of interest that's genuinely rare.

Carico Lake also benefits from its limited production. This has never been a high-volume mine, so the total amount of stone in circulation is relatively small. For collectors who think in terms of scarcity and long-term value, that matters.

Value and availability

High-grade Carico Lake is firmly in the collector category. Stones with strong green color, iridescence, and clean cuts command premium prices. The limited production means supply is always tight, and awareness has been growing as more people learn about the mine.

Lower-grade Carico Lake is more accessible, and even those pieces carry the distinctive green that sets this mine apart. If you're drawn to green turquoise and want something with provenance, this is one of the best mine origins to explore.

Carico Lake in our collection

Carico Lake shows up in our collection when we source stones with that distinctive green that stops you mid-scroll. It's a stone that photographs beautifully but looks even better in person. We set it simply and let the color carry the piece.