Top-Quality Turquoise and Key Turquoise Mines in Iran

Iran is renowned for producing some of the highest quality turquoise in the world, especially from its famous turquoise mines. Turquoise is typically formed in volcanic rocks, where intrusive or semi-deep masses have penetrated. Geologists estimate the age of Iranian turquoise deposits to be between the Upper Eocene and Lower Oligocene periods.

Major Turquoise Mines in Iran

• 🔷 Neishabour Turquoise Deposit: Known globally for its exceptional quality, the Neishabour mine is the most prominent source of turquoise in Iran. The rich blue stones from this deposit are highly sought after in the gemstone market.
• 💎 Baghoo Turquoise Deposit (Damghan): This mine produces quality turquoise but in smaller quantities compared to Neishabour.
• 🌊 Allahabad and Yakhabad (Kashmar): These deposits are known for turquoise with varying shades of blue and green.
• ✨ Abdullah Gio and Aliabad Taft: Other significant turquoise indices in Iran.
• 🪨 Chah Firoozeh Copper Deposits (Babak City): Turquoise is also found in copper deposits like Chah Firoozeh and Miduk.
• 🔍 Additional Traces: Turquoise traces have been identified in areas such as Ningan, the Sarhangi Mountains, Ashgabat Tabas, Qaleh Vaziri Basiran, and Sarcheshmeh.

Quality Variations and Lesser-Known Mines

Aside from the famed Neishabour mine, several other turquoise deposits in Iran yield lesser-quality turquoise. For instance, mines in Tabas, Kashmar, and Quchan primarily produce green turquoise, which holds less value and is typically used for creating decorative objects and sculptures rather than high-end jewelry.

While Neishabour turquoise is prized for its deep blue color and durability, the turquoise from these other mines often lacks the vibrancy and clarity necessary for fine jewelry, though it remains valuable in the realm of arts and crafts.

Optimize your gemstone collection with the finest turquoise sourced from the world-class mines of Iran, particularly Neishabour, where the quality speaks for itself.

Neishabour Turquoise Mine

Neishabour Turquoise Mine: A Gemstone Treasure of Iran

The Neishabour Turquoise Mine is the most famous and significant turquoise source in Iran, renowned worldwide for producing the finest quality turquoise. Located in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi, this mine has been in continuous operation for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest turquoise mines globally.

What Makes Neishabour Turquoise Unique?

• 🎨 Exceptional Quality: The turquoise from Neishabour is known for its vivid blue color, often referred to as “Persian Blue.” This pure blue hue, without significant greenish or grayish tones, is one of the key factors that make Neishabour turquoise highly valuable in the gemstone market.
• 👑 Rich History: The turquoise from this mine has been used in Persian art, jewelry, and architecture for centuries. Persian royalty and nobility favored Neishabour turquoise for its beauty and believed in its protective and healing properties.
• 💪 Durability and Clarity: Neishabour turquoise is known for its strength and resistance to fading, making it ideal for high-quality jewelry that lasts a lifetime. The stone’s clarity and natural patterns, often featuring fine black veining, are also highly sought after by collectors.

Global Appeal

Turquoise from the Neishabour mine is in demand worldwide, often considered the benchmark for high-quality turquoise. Its rich color, combined with its long history and craftsmanship, elevates Neishabour turquoise to a premium status among gem enthusiasts and collectors.

Turquoise Formation Process in the Midouk Mine

The formation of turquoise in the Midouk mine involves a complex interaction of chemical processes, as outlined below:

1. Decomposition of Chalcopyrite: The breakdown of chalcopyrite releases copper and iron sulfates into the surrounding environment.
2. Formation of Phosphoric Acid: Sulfuric acid reacts with apatite to form phosphoric acid.
3. Turquoise Formation: The phosphoric acid then interacts with copper and nearby aluminum-rich minerals such as plagioclase and clay minerals, leading to the precipitation of turquoise.

Chah Firoozeh Area

In addition to the Midouk mine, the Chah Firoozeh Area near Babak city is also known for its turquoise deposits. Although these deposits are smaller and produce turquoise with more greenish hues, they are still valuable due to the mineral diversity and the region’s rich copper deposits.

Conclusion

The Firoozeh Midouk Mine offers a unique and diverse source of turquoise in Iran, particularly notable for its green varieties and the host rock differences compared to Neishabour. While not as famous as Neishabour turquoise, the stones from Midouk hold their own, especially in their mineral diversity and the geological complexity of their formation. This mine adds to Iran’s rich turquoise heritage, contributing both to the domestic and international gemstone markets.

Chah Firoozeh Copper Deposit

The Chah Firoozeh copper deposit is located 32 km north of Babak city in Kerman province. In Chah Firoozeh mine, the intrusive mass has a combination of granodiorite and andesite, trachyandesite, and dacite volcanic rocks. The presence of the oxidant zone, as well as phosphorous minerals, has been effective for turquoise formation in Chah Firoozeh.

Because of the effect of surface factors on sulfides, sulfuric acid is produced, and due to its contact with phosphorous minerals such as apatite, turquoise is formed. The source of aluminum for turquoise in Chah Firoozeh mine is alunite, which is formed from other kaolinite under the influence of sulfate-rich solutions. The causes from solutions containing copper, phosphorus, and iron on alumina rocks of this mine, and especially alunite grains, are considered the most important factors in turquoise formation.

Turquoise is a secondary mineral in the Chah Firoozeh area and is widely associated with:

• Chrysocolla 💚
• Hemorphite ⚪
• Malachite 🟢

Turquoise is also formed in this mine in the form of gap filling and veins as the last phase of mineralization in the supergen and oxidant zones. The thickness of the mentioned zones in the Chah Firoozeh area is small, so the formation of turquoise on the surface is expected, and expecting its formation at great depths is far from expected.

Semnan Turquoise Baghu Mine: A Hidden Gem of Iran

The Baghu Turquoise Deposit, located near Baghu village (also known as Old Zar Mountain), sits approximately 90 km south of Damghan and west of Trud in Semnan Province. This mine is nestled in the middle of the Eocene volcanic-intrusive belt of Trud – Chah Shirin, an area known for its rich geological diversity. Though less famous than the Neishabour mine, Baghu boasts a unique combination of minerals and a distinct turquoise formation process.

Geological Composition and Mineralization

The Baghu mine is particularly interesting due to its complex mineralization process, which involves both hypogene and supergene phases. These phases reflect different stages of mineral formation under varying environmental conditions:

• Hypogene Mineralization: In this stage, chalcopyrite, galena, and gold are formed. These are primary minerals deposited deep in the earth under high temperature and pressure.
• Supergene Mineralization: This occurs near the surface under oxidizing conditions, leading to the formation of minerals such as hematite, limonite, goethite, anglesite, malachite, and azurite.
• Secondary Enrichment Zone: Contains minerals like covellite and chalcocite, which enrich the deposit with additional copper content.

Turquoise in this region is considered to be the final phase of mineralization, as evidenced by microscopic studies showing that turquoise veins and grains cut across earlier mineral formations. These studies also revealed the presence of colloidal microspheres and concretions, indicators of secondary weathering processes that contribute to turquoise formation.

Turquoise Formation Process in Baghu

The formation of turquoise in the Baghu area involves a series of chemical interactions over time, as outlined below:

1. Sulfuric Acid Formation: During the oxidation phase, sulfuric acid forms along with iron and copper sulfates, setting the stage for subsequent chemical reactions.
2. Phosphoric Acid Production: Sulfuric acid interacts with apatite, resulting in the formation of phosphoric acid, a crucial component in turquoise formation.
3. Secondary Enrichment: In this stage, phosphoric acid reacts with iron and copper sulfates, gradually interacting with alunites (aluminum-rich minerals) and aluminous nodes. This ultimately leads to the formation of the turquoise mineral.

Mineral Diversity and Significance

The Baghu deposit contains a wide variety of minerals, making it an important location for both gemstone and mineral collectors. In addition to turquoise, the mine yields other valuable minerals such as:

• Chalcopyrite ⛏️
• Galena ⚪
• Gold 🟡
• Hematite ⬛
• Malachite 🟢
• Azurite 💙

These minerals, combined with the area’s rich geological history, make Baghu an interesting location for mineralogical studies and turquoise extraction.

Characteristics of Baghu Turquoise

Turquoise from the Baghu mine is often found in thin veins and grains scattered throughout the host rock. The turquoise here is a product of secondary weathering environments, giving it unique visual properties and making it distinct from turquoise found in other regions such as Neishabour. The veins in the host rock cut through previous mineralizations, creating a striking pattern of colors and inclusions that add to the beauty of the turquoise stones.

Conclusion

The Baghu Turquoise Mine in Semnan Province stands out due to its rich geological environment and complex turquoise formation process. The combination of multiple phases of mineralization, diverse minerals, and the final turquoise formation offers a unique perspective on turquoise geology in Iran. Though less well-known than Neishabour, Baghu turquoise is a valuable addition to Iran’s gemstone heritage, prized for its intricate patterns and mineralogical diversity.

Abdullah Giv Turquoise Mine: A Geological Marvel in Iran

The Abdullah Giv Turquoise Mine, located 65 km northeast of Neishabour and south of Quchan on the Sabzevar-Quchan route, is another significant turquoise source in Iran. This mine consists of three primary areas—Aghayeh, Alas, and Ghezel Aghil—which share similar geological characteristics and mineralization processes.

Geological Setting and Composition

The volcanic rocks in the Abdullah Giv area date back to the Eocene era and consist of a variety of rock types, including:

• Basaltic Andesite
• Olivine Basalt
• Trachy-Basalt
• Dacite Andesite

These rocks serve as the host material for turquoise and other minerals, including malachite and chrysocolla, found within thin veins. Like the turquoise from Neishabour, the host rock in Abdullah Giv includes a mix of volcanic and detrital rocks such as trachyte, trachyandesite, tuff, and ignimbrite. The presence of tectonic structures in the region plays a key role in controlling turquoise mineralization.

Turquoise Formation in Abdullah Giv

The turquoise in Abdullah Giv is primarily found in thin green veins, often alongside malachite and chrysocolla. This region’s turquoise forms in a similar geological environment to the famous Neishabour mine, although the stones from Abdullah Giv are typically green rather than the vibrant blue of Neishabour turquoise. This is due to the presence of different trace elements in the rock, as well as variations in the oxidation states of copper.

Mineralization and Tectonic Activity

The tectonic structures in the Abdullah Giv area significantly influence the distribution and formation of turquoise. Faults, fractures, and fissures in the volcanic rocks provide pathways for hydrothermal fluids to circulate, depositing copper and aluminum minerals that eventually form turquoise. The presence of malachite and chrysocolla in the same veins indicates that the turquoise formation occurred in an environment rich in copper and other associated minerals.

Aliabad Turquoise: A Unique Formation

Another significant turquoise deposit is located in Aliabad, where turquoise forms as a result of phosphatization of alunite, an aluminum-rich mineral. In this region, turquoise occurs either as veins or granular structures, often in association with other minerals such as barite, copper, and kaolin.

The Shir Kooh batholith, a large igneous intrusion, plays a key role in the formation of turquoise in Aliabad. The leucogranite rocks of the batholith, which are calc-alkaline in nature, are responsible for the hydrothermal mineralization that leads to the formation of turquoise, along with other minerals such as Cu (copper), Ba (barite), and Au (gold).

Conclusion

The Abdullah Giv Turquoise Mine is a fascinating location due to its unique geological setting and mineral diversity. While the turquoise found here may not have the intense blue color of Neishabour, its green veins of turquoise, malachite, and chrysocolla add a unique dimension to Iran’s turquoise landscape. The influence of tectonic activity and volcanic host rocks further enriches the region’s geological significance.

The Aliabad Turquoise deposit also stands out for its distinct formation process, driven by hydrothermal activity associated with the Shir Kooh batholith, offering a valuable addition to the variety of turquoise found in Iran. Both regions contribute to Iran’s reputation as a world leader in high-quality, diverse turquoise production.

Conclusion

The Abdullah Giv Turquoise Mine is a fascinating location due to its unique geological setting and mineral diversity. While the turquoise found here may not have the intense blue color of Neishabour, its green veins of turquoise, malachite, and chrysocolla add a unique dimension to Iran’s turquoise landscape. The influence of tectonic activity and volcanic host rocks further enriches the region’s geological significance.

The Aliabad Turquoise deposit also stands out for its distinct formation process, driven by hydrothermal activity associated with the Shir Kooh batholith, offering a valuable addition to the variety of turquoise found in Iran. Both regions contribute to Iran’s reputation as a world leader in high-quality, diverse turquoise production.

Other Notable Turquoise Mines in Iran

In addition to the renowned turquoise mines of Neishabour, Midouk, and Abdullah Giv, Iran boasts a variety of other turquoise deposits scattered across the country. Though many of these are smaller or less commercially exploited, they add to the country’s rich turquoise heritage.

Boshrouyeh Turquoise Mine (Ningan Area) 🌄

Located in the Ningan area near Boshrouyeh in the Tabas region, this mine lies about 127 km southwest of Kashmar. Though smaller than some of the larger deposits, turquoise has been reported in this area, contributing to the mineral wealth of the region. The rugged mountains of Sarhangi Mountain in southwestern Kashmar are also known to contain turquoise reserves, adding to the diversity of turquoise deposits in Iran.

Ashgabat Region, Tabas 🏞️

Another minor turquoise deposit can be found in the north of the Ashgabat region near Tabas. Though relatively small in size, these deposits are part of the geological network of turquoise-bearing areas in northeastern Iran.

Basiran Castle Turquoise Deposits 🏰

Turquoise mines have also been identified near Vaziri Castle, located close to Basiran near Zari Castle in Birjand, as well as in the south of Mashhad and northeast of Kerman. While these mines may not be as productive or well-known as Neishabour or other larger deposits, they still contribute to the overall abundance of turquoise resources in Iran. The turquoise from these areas, often found in small quantities, is typically used for decorative purposes or lower-grade jewelry.

Conclusion

Although Neishabour remains the most famous and highest-quality turquoise source in Iran, the country is dotted with smaller deposits that add to its gemstone diversity. From the rugged mountains of Sarhangi to the Basiran Castle deposits, Iran’s turquoise mines are spread across various geological landscapes, each offering unique types of turquoise that reflect the country’s mineralogical richness.

Ibrahim Zahra Pit: A Turquoise Deposit in Isfahan Province 🌍

The Ibrahim Zahra Pit is a lesser-known turquoise deposit located between Jandagh and Arousan in Isfahan Province. In this area, thin veins of turquoise have been identified within metamorphic rocks, indicating that turquoise formation here is influenced by both tectonic activity and mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids. The turquoise from this region is still in exploratory stages, but the discovery of these veins adds to the expanding list of Iran’s turquoise-rich regions.

Other Turquoise Deposits and Traces Across Iran 📍

Turquoise traces have been identified across several regions of Iran, showcasing the country’s widespread turquoise presence:

• 🌟 Sarcheshmeh Copper Deposit: Known primarily for its copper reserves, the Sarcheshmeh area also contains traces of turquoise.
• 🌟 Ningan Copper Deposits: Similar to Sarcheshmeh, the Ningan area near Boshrouyeh in Tabas has turquoise traces due to the presence of copper-bearing minerals.
• 🌟 Sarhangi Mountain: Located in southwestern Kashmar, the rugged mountains of Sarhangi are home to smaller turquoise reserves.
• 🌟 Ashgabat Tabas: In the north of the Ashgabat region near Tabas, minor turquoise deposits have been found.
• 🌟 Vaziri Castle, Basiran: Vaziri Castle, near Basiran, has shown traces of turquoise.
• 🌟 Jabal Barez Mountains: In the Jabal Barez mountains of Kerman Province, turquoise deposits have been reported.
• 🌟 Saveh Region: Traces of turquoise have also been discovered in Saveh.
• 🌟 East Azarbaijan: Small turquoise deposits exist in the East Azarbaijan Province.
• 🌟 Sistan and Baluchestan Provinces: These areas are less explored but hold potential for future turquoise mining.

Final Conclusion

The Ibrahim Zahra Pit and other turquoise-bearing regions in Iran reflect the country’s broad and diverse turquoise landscape. While some areas like Neishabour and Midouk dominate in terms of quality and production, smaller deposits like those found in Sarcheshmeh, Sarhangi Mountain, and Basiran enrich Iran’s position as a major player in the global turquoise market. These lesser-known deposits often have unique geological settings that contribute to the varied characteristics of Iranian turquoise.

As we delve into the mesmerizing world of turquoise, we uncover not just the stunning beauty of these gemstones, but also the rich tapestry of history, geology, and craftsmanship that surrounds them. From the vibrant blues of Neishabour to the unique greens of the Abdullah Giv and Baghu mines, each piece tells a story of the Earth’s natural artistry and the skilled hands that bring these treasures to life.

Iran’s turquoise heritage is a testament to nature’s creativity and the timeless allure of these precious stones. Whether you are a collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply someone captivated by the wonders of geology, the enchanting hues and intricate patterns of turquoise invite you to embrace their beauty. Explore, cherish, and celebrate the splendor of turquoise—where each gem is a window into the planet’s geological marvels and a piece of its ancient legacy.

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