Hubei Turquoise: Mines, History, Treatments, and What Designers Should Know

Why Hubei Turquoise Matters

When people think of Turquoise, the conversation often centers on the American Southwest or Iran. Chinese Turquoise—particularly material from Hubei Province—receives far less attention, despite being one of the most historically significant and productive Turquoise regions in the world.

Hubei Turquoise is not a single source stone. It is a regional family of materials shaped by different deposits, geological conditions, and mining histories. Understanding these differences is essential for designers, collectors, and anyone sourcing Turquoise responsibly.

The Core Turquoise-Producing Region in China

China’s Turquoise production is concentrated along the border region of Hubei, Shaanxi, and Henan Provinces, with Zhushan County and Yun County in Hubei forming the historical and commercial center. This region has supplied Turquoise continuously since at least the Neolithic period, over 4,000 years ago.

Although Turquoise is widely associated with Tibetan culture, there are no Turquoise mines in Tibet. Nearly all Turquoise used historically and in modern Tibetan jewelry originates from Hubei Province.

Major Hubei Turquoise Mine – Cloud Temple (Yungaisi / YunGaiSi)

• Location: Yunyang District, Shiyan City, Hubei

• History: Approximately 4,000 years of mining history

• Modern operation: Government-run mine from 1954 to 2005

• Status: Closed to commercial mining; reopened in 2023 as a National Mining Park

• Material: Light blue, sky blue, and dark blue, often with black matrix or spiderwebbing

• Market availability: Very limited; most material is old stock
  
  

Cloud Temple Turquoise—often called Yungai Blue—is among the most famous Chinese Turquoise types. Its closure has made authentic material increasingly rare.

Zhushan County Mines – Hubei Province

The primary source of modern Hubei Turquoise beads, Zhushan County contains multiple productive deposits and supplies most of the Hubei Turquoise seen in today’s market.

Yishui Dongzigou (Yishui Blue)

• Bright, clear blue color

• Fine, tender material

• Dark outer skin on rough
  
  

Yajiaoshan (Jelly Material)

• Uniform color

• Fine texture with minimal black matrix

• Highly valued for clean bead production
  
  

Qibaozhai (Seven Treasure Camp)

• Source of many large, high-quality rough pieces

• Blue-green coloration

• High density and porcelain luster
  
  

Labashan (Horn Hill)

• Sky blue material

• High porcelain degree

• Commonly used for carving and beads
  
  

Qingu 808 Mine

• Highest output mine in Zhushan County

• Wide color range: blue, green, light blue, yellow

• Supplies much of the commercial bead market
  

Are All Turquoise Mines in China Closed?

No—but many of the most famous historic mines are no longer producing commercially. Cloud Temple is closed to extraction. Zhushan County mines remain active and supply most of today’s Hubei turquoise, though production is regulated and variable. Scarcity is real, and mine output is not unlimited.

Turquoise Treatments: What Designers Should Understand

Turquoise has a natural range of 3–6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, meaning durability varies widely by deposit. As a result, treatments are very common and often necessary for jewelry use.

Common treatments include:

• Stabilization: Resin or polymer infusion to strengthen porous material

• Waxing or sealing: Light surface protection

• Dyeing: Used on lower-grade material (should always be disclosed)
  
  

High-density, high-porcelain Turquoise may require minimal treatment, while softer material benefits significantly from stabilization. Treatment is not inherently negative—but transparency matters.

Why Hubei Turquoise is So Important for Jewelry Design

• Broad color range within one material family

• Excellent bead and carving suitability

• Deep historical and cultural significance

• Increasing scarcity of high-grade material