The Morenci turquoise mine, located in southeastern Arizona, has long been recognized for producing some of the most distinctive and sought-after turquoise in the world. Known for its striking range of blue hues, from light to vibrant, the turquoise from Morenci is often distinguished by a matrix of quartz and pyrite. This matrix, with its irregular patterns, can give the stone a silvery or metallic appearance when polished—something that sets it apart from other varieties of turquoise. There's also a unique variant known as the “Morenci red matrix,” which features a rich, brownish matrix that adds depth and character to the stone.

Once one of the most productive sources of turquoise in the United States, Morenci turquoise became immensely popular for both its stunning aesthetic and its rarity. However, the mine was eventually closed and sealed off, buried under tons of rock, making any future mining of Morenci turquoise virtually impossible. The site was also subjected to heavy chemical leaching, further decreasing the chances of recovering additional turquoise.

Despite the mine’s closure, Morenci turquoise remains highly coveted. Former miners and collectors still hold onto stashes of rough Morenci turquoise, and this limited supply continues to be sold in small, controlled amounts each year.