Carico Lake Turquoise
The Carico Lake turquoise mine is located in Lander County, Nevada, in the Carico Lake region. Carico Lake is a rather large, active mining district encompassing several claims that produce a wide variety and quality of graded blue and green turquoise; some with golden limonite matrix. Carico Lake turquoise is also found with a dark blue-green color laced with a black or brown spider web matrix. In addition to turquoise, mines in this district are known to produce faustite, a bright Granny Smith, apple green mineral first identified in 1953. Faustite is similar to turquoise except that it contains zinc rather than copper.
The Carico Lake mine has produced rare pseudo morph clams. These beautiful “fossilized” turquoise clams are found in the dried lake bed. The clams are believed to have been dissolved, leaving cavities that were filled with turquoise and faustite deposits.
Originally discovered in 1911, turquoise from the Carico Lake district has been marketed under several different names, including Aurora and Stone Cabin. These claims have been mined by noted Nevada prospectors such as August Stenich and later by J.W. Edgar. The mine is now owned and closely managed by Ernie Montoya. Mr. Montoya has invested heavily in Carico Lake turquoise, re-establishing the mine as one of the larger producers in Nevada. Working over 100 claims, Mr. Montoya has produced a fair amount of turquoise. High-grade turquoise is, however, still fairly uncommon. The unique range and variety of colors and scarcity of natural, gem grade Carico Lake turquoise make it a valuable addition to any collection.