The Story Behind the Blackjack Turquoise Mine

Tucked into the high desert outside Tonopah, Nevada, the Blackjack Turquoise Mine is one of those places that doesn’t announce itself loudly. It’s quiet, rugged, and honest — much like the turquoise it produces. While it may not be as widely known as some historic American mines, Blackjack turquoise has earned a loyal following among collectors and makers who value depth, character, and true American-mined stone.

A Nevada Mine with Its Own Personality

Blackjack turquoise is known for its rich blues and blue-greens, often accented with bold brown to black matrix. The contrast gives the stone a strong, grounded presence — earthy and dramatic without feeling overworked. These are stones that feel wild and natural, shaped by the land rather than trends.

Each piece of Blackjack turquoise carries its own movement and pattern. No two stones are alike, which makes them especially compelling for statement jewelry and one-of-a-kind designs.

Digging at the Source

One of the things that makes Blackjack turquoise especially meaningful to me is that I’ve had the rare opportunity to visit the mine in person. I was able to dig alongside Danny Otteson, experiencing firsthand what it means to source turquoise directly from the earth.

Even more unforgettable was spending the night camping on the mine itself. As the sun dropped behind the desert hills, a lightning storm rolled across the distant horizon — flashes illuminating the landscape while the mine sat quiet beneath the stars. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how powerful and alive this land really is, and how special it is to work with materials that come from it.

That experience deepened my connection to Blackjack turquoise in a way that goes far beyond appearance. These stones aren’t just beautiful — they carry memory, place, and story.

What Makes Blackjack Turquoise Special

The turquoise from Blackjack stands out for its bold matrix and strong color variation. The dark veining comes from the host rock as the turquoise forms underground, creating organic patterns that give each stone its own identity. This kind of natural character is exactly what draws me to Blackjack turquoise and why it works so well in handcrafted silver jewelry.

It’s a stone that doesn’t need to be polished into perfection to shine. Its beauty is already there.

A Quiet Legacy in American Turquoise

Blackjack has never been a high-production mine, and that scarcity is part of its appeal. Material is released in small quantities, which means each stone feels special — not mass-produced, not replaceable. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

For those who value responsibly sourced, American-mined turquoise, Blackjack represents everything that makes these stones so meaningful: authenticity, history, and a deep connection to the land.

From the Desert to Jewelry Meant to Be Worn

Every piece of Blackjack turquoise I work with carries the spirit of that desert — the dust, the silence, the storms in the distance. Knowing exactly where a stone comes from, and having stood on that land myself, makes the finished jewelry feel even more intentional.

The Blackjack Turquoise Mine may be understated, but its stones speak loudly. They tell a story of place, patience, and raw natural beauty — and I’m honored to work with them.

Here you'll find our current Blackjack offerings