Sierra Bella Turquoise

Sonora, Mexico

Vivid Sonoran turquoise with saturated, almost gem-like blue.

Where it comes from

Sierra Bella is one of several Sonoran-region Mexican mines that have come online over the last two decades, producing high-color blue turquoise comparable to top Nevada material. Northern Mexico has emerged as a major modern turquoise source as American mines have closed or slowed.

What makes it distinctive

The blue is unusually saturated, often described as electric, with minimal matrix or fine reddish iron veining when matrix is present. The stones run clean enough that they're often confused with high-grade Sleeping Beauty material at a glance, though Sierra Bella tends to show slightly more iron warmth.

How to identify it

Look for the deep, even blue with restrained matrix. Sierra Bella reads almost gem-like in its color intensity, which is part of why it's grown in popularity with contemporary silversmiths. Quality cabs hold their color well and take a brilliant polish.