Fox Turquoise

The Fox Turquoise mine, located near Lander County, Nevada, was a significant producer of turquoise, especially in the early 1900s. Under the operation of Mr. Dowell Ward, the mine yielded around half a million pounds of turquoise, making it one of Nevada’s largest sources at the time. Unfortunately, the mine has been closed for many years.

In prehistoric times, indigenous peoples mined the area, discovering large nuggets of turquoise. The various deposits in the region were identified by names such as Fox, White Horse, Green Tree, and Smith, helping to differentiate the colors of turquoise produced and to enhance their market presence. The turquoise from this area is known for its good quality, with many stones exhibiting green or blue-green hues and distinctive matrix patterns.

Blue Fox turquoise, which is actually more accurately referred to as “White Horse Fox,” comes from the White Horse area within Lander County. This variation is prized for its vibrant blue color. Additionally, the Fox mine is sometimes referred to as the Cortez mine, reflecting its historical significance and the overlapping mining operations in the region.

Today, the legacy of the Fox mine continues to be appreciated by collectors and artisans, although new finds are no longer available due to the mine's closure.