How do we really know that Sleeping Beauty mine is closed?

ALL the shopping channels say it is closed and they ALL have 'secret sources"" who have been hoarding it for this very moment.

This is getting even OLDER than the fact that yes, the mine was closed 2 years ago. If anyone thinks its a hoax, don't buy any Sleeping Beauty.

Also, and I've said this many times (sorry!) - there are different grades of SB - some not so great - probably A LOT not so great, and then there is top grade A quality. So much of the low grade is out there - that is the kind that has been dug from very deep, and I would not pay as much for it - it's not as saturated and rich looking as the stones that were taken from higher up on the ground (much of that would have been mined over 20 years ago). An example of excellent, high quality SB would be CP's American West "super" naja.

Because it pricked its finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel

You are so right Juggie - it's all about the ""quality"" - and the ""size"" they can get - that is gone - unless you have a source you can afford to buy from - the other stuff - nobody would want - at least not collectors like us! So people if you are sick of hearing ""the mine is closed"" get over it!!

On 7/6/2014 kachina624 said: By the way, there is no grading system for turquoise....or any gemstone for that matter. The TV hucksters would have you believe it's grade A or AAA or whatever they make up, but there is no official grade. However, it's obvious some is better than others.

Hi Kachina . . and sorry - I was using the word "grade" for lack of a better word lol.

On 7/5/2014 Ladybug724 said:

Because it pricked its finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel

In all seriousness, I think the Sleeping Beauty mines are closed, but companies buy up a whole lot, maybe about 1 or 2 years worth, and then sell it to people.