Number 8 Turquoise Cabochons

We carry Number 8 Turquoise from the historic Number 8 Mine in Elko County, Nevada, a deposit that has been closed since the 1970s. This material is defined by its spiderweb matrix, with fine black or golden-brown veining set against blue-green to pale blue backgrounds. One of the most recognized names in American Turquoise, prized by silversmiths and collectors for material that holds value alongside visual appeal.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Number 8 Turquoise Cabochons

Is Number 8 turquoise still being mined?
No. The Number Eight mine in Eureka County, Nevada was actively worked from the early 1900s through the 1970s, when commercial production ended. All Number 8 turquoise on the market today comes from old stockpiles or material recovered as a byproduct of other Nevada mining operations.
Why is Number 8 turquoise so expensive?
Supply is fixed and declining. The mine closed in the 1970s and the remaining material comes from existing stockpiles. As those stockpiles work down, supply tightens and prices climb. The signature spiderweb matrix pattern is also recognized and prized by collectors.
What does Number 8 turquoise look like?
The signature of Number 8 is a tight golden-to-black spiderweb pattern over a blue-green ground. The webbing is often distinctive enough to identify the stone across a room. Color tends toward blue-green with hints of teal.
How can you tell genuine Number 8 turquoise?
Look for the characteristic golden-to-black spiderweb matrix over blue-green ground, and buy from sellers who can verify the stockpile source. Because Number 8 commands collector prices, provenance disclosure matters more than it does for active mines.
Is Number 8 turquoise stabilized or natural?
Most Number 8 on the market today is natural. The remaining stockpiles have been carefully cut and sold without stabilization to preserve the character of the original material. Some stabilized Number 8 exists, typically from softer or more fractured rough.
What size Number 8 cabochons are available?
Available sizes skew smaller because the remaining rough does not always yield large cabs. Freeform is more common than calibrated, as cutters work each piece to its best yield.
What is Number 8 turquoise best used for?
Number 8 is collector and statement material. Use it for high-end commission work, statement rings and pendants where the spiderweb is the focal design element, and pieces marketed to buyers who recognize and value Nevada turquoise specifically.

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