Hubei Turquoise Hand Cut Cabochon

Hubei Turquoise – China

Hubei Turquoise is a natural turquoise from China’s Hubei Province and has become highly regarded among lapidary artists for its tremendous variety of colors, matrix patterns, and character. Fine Hubei can rival some of the most recognizable Southwestern American turquoise in both beauty and complexity.

50x30 mm

Origin and Character

Location: Hubei Province, China, an important historic source of turquoise.

Appearance: Hubei occurs in shades ranging from bright blue and blue-green to deep green and earthy olive tones. It is particularly known for dramatic black, brown, and reddish matrix, including highly desirable webbed, ribbon, and polychrome varieties.

Lapidary Material: Quality Hubei cuts and polishes beautifully, producing striking cabochons with tremendous variation from stone to stone. Natural matrix is often deliberately preserved as part of the design.

Availability: Although Hubei turquoise has been mined for many years, high-grade natural material with exceptional color and tight spiderweb or unusual polychrome matrix is increasingly prized. Older, high-quality rough is especially sought after by turquoise collectors and lapidary artists.