Kingman Turquoise

Cerbat Mountains, Arizona

One of the most important turquoise mines in American history, and still producing today.

Where it comes from

The Kingman mine sits in the Cerbat Mountains of northwestern Arizona and has been producing turquoise since prehistoric times. Native peoples mined the area long before European contact, and commercial operations kicked off in the late 1800s. It's one of the longest-running and most prolific turquoise mines in North America, and it's still producing today.

Unlike many American turquoise mines that have been tapped out or closed, Kingman continues to yield quality stone. That ongoing production keeps it accessible and widely available without diluting its reputation. It's a workhorse mine in the best possible sense.

What it looks like

Kingman turquoise comes in a wide range of blues, from pale sky tones to deep, saturated blue. The matrix is typically black or dark brown, running through the stone in web-like patterns that give each piece its own visual identity. Some Kingman turquoise has very little matrix, while other pieces are heavily veined. That range is part of what makes it so versatile.

You'll also find Kingman in blue-green shades, and some pieces lean slightly toward a lavender-blue that's distinctive to this mine. The color range means Kingman works in everything from minimalist settings to bold statement pieces.

What makes it special

Kingman's reputation comes from consistency, variety, and history. It's not the rarest turquoise on the market, and that's actually a strength. It means you can find beautiful Kingman stones across a wide range of price points and styles. It's the turquoise that many silversmiths reach for first because it's reliably beautiful and takes a setting well.

High-grade Kingman, especially natural (unstabilized) pieces, commands strong prices. The mine also produces distinct varieties that collectors seek out, including Kingman "waterweb" (a rare pattern of delicate matrix lines) and Ithaca Peak turquoise, which comes from a specific area within the larger Kingman mining district.

Value and availability

Because Kingman is still an active mine, the stone is more available than turquoise from closed sources like Sleeping Beauty or Number 8. That keeps it accessible at multiple price points. However, high-grade natural Kingman, particularly pieces with exceptional color or rare matrix patterns, is very much a collector's stone and priced accordingly.

If you're new to turquoise jewelry, Kingman is an excellent place to start. It's genuine, it's beautiful, and it gives you room to explore without the premium that comes with rarer mine origins.

Kingman in our collection

Kingman is one of the stones you'll see most often at Wildflower. We love it for its range and its reliability. Whether it's set in a simple stacker ring or a bold cuff, Kingman turquoise always delivers.