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Morenci Turquoise; Arizona Mine, Morenci, Clifton-Morenci District,
Shannon Mountains, Greenlee County, Arizona, USA. An open pit
copper mine located in the N½ Section 16, T4S, R29E (Clifton 15 minute
topographic map), owned by Phelps Dodge Corp. Map Reference: 33°5'26"N
, 109°21'58"W.
Morenci turquoise was mined in southeastern Arizona until approximately
1990. It is located very near the New Mexico border, and ranges in
color from classic high electric blue to light azure. Prehistoric
Indians who valued the stone for its deep blue color were the first to
discover the deposit. These people adorned themselves with rough hewn
beads and carved talisman made from the mineral
Morenci is often associated with an unusual black matrix of irregular
iron pyrite, which looks metallic when polished. Although they are
rare, stones with unusual birds-eye patterns, red matrix and an
occasional layer of silver have also been found. The Morenci name is
derived from the large open pit copper mine owned and operated by the
Phelps Dodge Corporation. Early examples of this striking turquoise
were of the "lunch box" variety, meaning they were carried out of the
mine by workers and miners.
Morenci is well known; it was one of the first types of American
turquoise to find its way to the market and is always difficult to
obtain because the mine was depleted so long ago. It is believed that
the best Morenci ever produced was discovered in the late 1960's to
early 70's. During this time period, the mine produced a high,
electric blue variety with iron pyrite inclusions. Since Morenci is
no longer being mined, and because of its striking color and unusual
matrix combinations, high grade natural Morenci is a valuable, highly
collectible mineral.
USGS; Arizona.--In Arizona turquoise ranks first in terms of value of
production and is also the best known of its gem materials. Nearly all
important deposits of turquoise are located near copper occurrences or
in copper deposits in arid desert regions of the world. Thus, the world
famous turquoise deposits associated with certain of the large Arizona
copper deposits are to be expected.
Turquoise is, or has been, mined from a number of these copper mines as
a byproduct, usually by outside contractors. The financial and
operating terms of the collecting contracts vary from mine to mine.
Some of the operations are little more than the efforts of individual
commercial collectors; some are essentially full-scale mining
operations that are simultaneous with, but separate from, the regular
mining operations; and still others operate on an on-call basis as
turquoise is uncovered by the regular copper mining operation.
Regardless of the size or sophistication of the initial mining or
recovery operation, the actual turquoise is recovered by careful
extraction using hand methods.
Eugene is one of those rare artists who has mastered not just one or two methods, but a myriad of jewelry techniques. As a young man, he trained under other talented silversmiths After many decades of steady work, Eugene is skilled at metal fabrication, casting, making his own silver ingots, and most importantly for his work, the ability to cut stones. In his work below, you will see beautiful cut teardrop and pyramid cut Sleeping Beauty turquoise and coral. His two newest pieces with Carico Lake turquoise demonstrate his mastery of silver stamp work.
When discussing his work, Eugene talks about commitment. This theme comes up again and again with various artists with whom I have spoken. Eugene dedicated himself to his artwork and when you see him work, you truly realize the depth of his experience. He works as if he were breathing, naturally and seemingly effortlessly. We are fortunate to have such a skilled artist close by and hope you enjoy his classic creations.
