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Golden Hill Turquoise
Sourced from the remote Altyn-Tyube mine in Kazakhstan, this rare lavender-blue turquoise brings an unmistakable signature to every piece of jewelry it graces.
Explore Our CollectionWhat Is Golden Hill Turquoise?
Golden Hill Turquoise — also called Kazakhstan Turquoise — is a rare and highly prized variety of turquoise exclusively mined from the Altyn-Tyube deposit in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan. It first gained international attention at the 2014 Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show and quickly became a favorite among Southwestern and contemporary jewelry artists.
What sets Golden Hill apart from other turquoise varieties is its distinctive lavender-blue to periwinkle body color paired with a striking reddish-brown to burnt umber matrix. It is considered one of the most chemically pure turquoise specimens found anywhere in the world, with exceptional color vibrancy and durability that make it a dream to work with.
Mining only occurs during the harsh winter months — summer flooding makes the remote deposit inaccessible — which contributes to its scarcity and premium status among collectors and designers worldwide.
Why Jewelry Designers Choose Golden Hill Turquoise
From its one-of-a-kind color palette to its exceptional workability, Golden Hill Turquoise offers qualities that most turquoise varieties simply cannot match.
Unmatched Color
Unlike the deep blues and greens of American turquoise, Golden Hill presents a soft lavender-blue to periwinkle hue that is instantly recognizable. The distinctive palette gives jewelry an elegant, modern feel while retaining the timeless appeal of turquoise.
Superior Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 5–6 and exceptional structural integrity, Golden Hill Turquoise is harder and more durable than many turquoise varieties. This makes it excellent for everyday-wear pieces like rings, cuffs, and bracelets that need to stand up to regular use.
Natural & Untreated
Golden Hill Turquoise is typically left in its natural state without stabilization or enhancement. Each stone retains its authentic character, with natural matrix patterns that make every cabochon genuinely one-of-a-kind — a major selling point for artisan jewelry.
Color & Matrix Guide
Understanding the color and matrix variations will help you select the perfect stones for your designs and verify authenticity.
Ideal Jewelry Applications
Golden Hill Turquoise's unique color and hardness make it versatile across many jewelry categories. Here are the formats where it truly shines.
Statement Rings
Large cabochons set in sterling silver or gold create bold, wearable centerpieces. The stone's durability makes it ideal for rings worn daily.
Cuff Bracelets
Multi-stone cuffs and single-cab bangles showcase the variety of matrix patterns. A staple of Southwestern and boho-luxe design.
Pendants & Necklaces
The lavender-blue hue pairs beautifully with Navajo pearls, silver chains, and leather. Ideal for statement pendants and layered looks.
Earrings
Matched pairs of Golden Hill cabochons are highly sought. From drop earrings to studs, the stone's lightness makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
Inlay Work
The stone's hardness supports precision cutting for channel inlay and mosaic designs, creating intricate patterns alongside other stones.
Beaded Jewelry
Rondelles, round beads, and heishi cuts in Golden Hill Turquoise add a rare and luxurious touch to strung and wire-wrapped designs.
Care & Handling for Jewelers
Whether you are setting, selling, or wearing Golden Hill Turquoise, these care practices will preserve its natural beauty.
Clean Gently
Use a soft, damp cloth with lukewarm water only. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can cause fractures or discoloration.
Avoid Chemicals
Keep the stone away from perfumes, lotions, household cleaners, and oils. Turquoise is a porous mineral and absorbs chemicals easily.
Store Properly
Keep in a soft pouch or lined box, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Store separately from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratches.
Inspect Settings
Regularly check bezels, prongs, and clasps for looseness. Secure settings protect the stone from impact damage during everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden Hill Turquoise is a rare, high-quality variety of turquoise mined exclusively from the Altyn-Tyube deposit in Kazakhstan. It is renowned for its distinctive lavender-blue body color and golden-brown to reddish matrix, as well as its exceptional chemical purity — making it one of the most sought-after turquoise varieties available today.
Yes. Golden Hill Turquoise rates between 5 and 6 on the Mohs hardness scale and is known for superior structural integrity compared to many other turquoise varieties. It is an excellent choice for rings, cuffs, and other pieces meant for everyday wear, though protective bezel settings are recommended.
Several factors contribute to its rarity. It comes from a single mine in a remote region of Kazakhstan, and mining can only take place during winter months due to summer flooding in the area. Additionally, turquoise is far less common than other minerals in the Golden Hills deposit, where dioptase and other gems are found in much larger quantities.
Authentic Golden Hill Turquoise displays a natural periwinkle or lavender-blue body color with a reddish-brown, burnt umber, or occasionally lavender-toned matrix. Be cautious of stones with unnaturally neon or perfectly uniform color, which may be dyed or stabilized imitations. Purchasing from a trusted gemstone supplier like National Facets ensures authenticity and quality.
National Facets offers wholesale pricing with no minimum order quantity. Whether you need a few select cabochons for a custom piece or a larger quantity for a production run, our team can help you source the right stones. We also offer free expert consultation and free samples for new stones.