Episode 20: White Buffalo from Tonopah, Nevada

[@jamesriggsdds2337]

This mine is still open. The rock club I’m a member of was there about three weeks ago for a dig. I got a nice specimen of White Buffalo. I was pretty sure it wasn’t actually turquoise and this video tells it all! It is quite spectacular!

[@pauldeasygemstones]

That is awesome. There is nothing like being at a working line. I have enjoyed every single mine I have visited. And I always learn something new

[@sism3028]

Omg..love these videos! Such a beautiful stone. So interesting about the hideout for the Manson family. Please keep these videos coming. See you tomorrow at Sunday Funday. Love you guys!!

[@pauldeasygemstones]

Yeah, Crazy, right? Those kinds of stories at some mining locations are more common than you might think!

[@sism3028]

@@pauldeasygemstones So intetesting.

[@nevadaminer5977]

Dolomite….who would have ever thought.

[@paulajohnson6409]

I'm very new at this and fascinated with white buffalo stone. Which is more valuable? The white stone with spiderweb? The black and white? Or the Dry Creek light bluish color? I know it's a matter of preference but I love all of them. Just need some direction on what specifics to look for and which one's are the most rare. 😊

[@davidbennett5601]

I got a nice piece for my wife when we were in Tonopah.

[@pauldeasygemstones]

Love that area and their turquoise and white buffalo is fantastic

[@dicktricklej6713]

Would white buffalo be found in southeast Utah and f so what do I need to look for

[@pauldeasygemstones]

The best answer is....probably. The original white buffalo mine I visited was near Tonapah, Nevada. It was a claim by Dean Otteson (now deceased), who also had the claim on the Royston Turquoise mine. I have since heard of other active mines in Eureka County, Nevada as well as specimens from Utah. In my opinion, it is only the material comprised as calcite and Quartz. I think some others are taking white magnesite (very prevalent in the Southwest USA) and adding dye and/or polish to provide the black color with the white that is so coveted. Some might even use dyed howlite. When in doubt, have the seller disclose what it is in writing, There are ways to get it tested (though sometimes these are destructive tests). One such source of testing is the New Mexico School of mines about an hour or so from Albuquerque

[@stevechapman3419]

Old man Otteson was a liar & thief. At the Quartzite Pow-Wow show, about 10-12 years ago, he sold me "Lander Blue" turquoise for $30 a carat. Spent over $2,000 on it. The lighting was dim and I was fooled. Turned out to be Chinese rock. I confronted the guy the following year at his Pow-Wow booth and he denied any knowledge of me or the stones. I still have them in a zip bag along with his business card. I have been in the biz for 42 years. You can believe me. Steve Chapman