2. Prices on collectible turquoise can be sky-high because many come from so-called Nevada hat mines. “Lander Blue because of its rarity is what we call a Nevada hat mine—that means you can almost put everything you mined in a hat,” says Joe Tanner, owner of Tanner's Indian Arts in Gallup, N.M.

Is turquoise worth any money?

Turquoise prices normally range from $1 to $10 per carat but can reach $1000 per carat for the best quality stones. Real turquoise of the top quality costs even more than gold, so it is definitely worth the money. ... It makes turquoise a highly desirable gemstone also from a cultural perspective.

Why is turquoise so rare?

“We're saying it's more rare than diamonds.” Less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide has the characteristics to be cut and set into jewelry. ... Government restrictions and the high costs of mining have also impeded the ability to find gem-quality turquoise.