Hubei Turquoise

Hubei Province, China

Chinese turquoise that rivals top-grade American material at a more accessible price.

Where it comes from

Hubei Province in central China has been mined for turquoise for over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest documented turquoise sources in the world. Modern operations produce some of the highest-grade material on the global market. The combination of long history and current high production makes Hubei increasingly popular with contemporary silversmiths.

What makes it distinctive

Colors range from clean robin's-egg blue to deep teal, often with fine black or brown spiderweb matrix that rivals American spiderweb stones. Hubei runs hard and stable, which makes it cutter-friendly and durable in finished jewelry. Polishes to a high luster that holds up across years of wear.

How to identify it

Top-grade Hubei is visually similar to high-grade American turquoise, which is why it commands real prices despite the larger production. Look for clean color, dense matrix when present, and a feel that's substantial in the hand. Make sure your seller is sourcing genuine Hubei, not generic Chinese turquoise sold under the name.