Deep in the heart of Nevada’s Lone Mountain lies the Blue Jay Mine. This isn’t just any mine. It’s a place where legends are woven into the very rock. For nearly a century the Blue Jay Mine has yielded stunning turquoise. Its story begins with Lee Hand’s rediscovery in 1920. A chance encounter led him to a forgotten vein. He found high-grade turquoise discarded by a previous prospector.
Hand wisely named his claim the Blue Jay Mining Lode. He wasn’t alone in this venture. Jack Montgomery and Al Stevens helped open the vein. Bert Kopenhaver later leased the property. At a depth of 40 feet he discovered the mine’s famous spider-web turquoise. This unique type of turquoise wasn’t found in the harder shales. Instead it nestled within softer argillaceous zones. The two types never co-existed.
The Blue Jay Mine wasn’t without challenges. Menless Winfield took over in 1968. He faced perilous conditions. His Caterpillar tractors and dynamite were essential for this challenging task. He even had a narrow escape when his tractor fell through a tunnel roof. The mine’s workings spanned over 1500 feet. Five levels stretched 40 feet apart. They even deepened it another 50 feet.
The turquoise itself is remarkable. The Blue Jay Mine produced both solid blue and spider-web turquoise. The colors ranged from pale to dark blue with no green tints. Clear blue turquoise was found in the hard shales. In 1956 a unique discovery was made. Nuggets of clear blue turquoise revealed dendrites. These resembled those found in moss agate. There’s still no explanation for this unusual phenomenon.
The largest nugget ever found measured 4 inches long 3 inches wide and three-quarters of an inch thick. All turquoise was saved no matter the size. Stones were carefully cut in a plant in San Gabriel California. This turquoise was exceptional. It boasted a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. The color was remarkably stable. It never faded or changed.
The Blue Jay Mine’s legacy is rich. It’s a testament to human perseverance and the stunning beauty of the earth. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. It continues to fascinate those who hear its story. Stand before the Blue Jay Mine. Feel the weight of its history. Appreciate the enduring beauty of its turquoise. This is more than a mine. It’s a living legend.