Turquoise Museum
The Natural Turquoise Museum offers guided tours of its natural turquoise collection. It is located at 400 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. It also offers hands-on exhibits and a gift shop. Visitors can learn about turquoise, its history, and its importance to local culture. There is no fee to visit the museum. It is open daily except for federal holidays.
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Visitors can explore hundreds of pieces of turquoise jewelry in the museum's galleries and explore a variety of other artifacts. The Museum also includes an exhibit of the world's largest collection of turquoise, including the famous Washington Stone, weighing 6,888 carats. There's also an exhibit on the geology and science behind
turquoise. The Museum is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
In addition to its extensive collection of turquoise jewelry, the museum displays the works of Navajo silversmith Da-Pah. The Navajo silversmith was famous for creating turquoise jewelry for the trading post in Massachusetts. When George Andrews met Da-Pah, the two became acquainted. Da-Pah then returned to New Mexico to craft jewelry for Betty Andrews. Many of these bracelets still fill the museum's display case.
For over four decades, the Turquoise Museum has served as a repository for information about turquoise. Visitors can view collections of turquoise jewelry and turquoise furniture, and take a Turquoise 101 course. Admission to the museum is free and self-guided tours are available. However, it is important to note that admission is non-refundable. If you cancel your visit due to illness or family emergencies, the amount paid will not be refunded.
New Mexico has some hidden gems and fascinating places to visit. One cool place is the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa. The water is strikingly blue and very deep, making it a popular scuba diving spot. Route 66 is a part of the history of the area, with the historic town of Tucumcari standing as a vestige of the Mother Road.
Turquoise was first used in Egypt in 4000 BC. Its sources were Persia and China, and today, a significant percentage of turquoise is mined in China. It was used by the Pharaohs and the Aztec Kings. Despite its toxicity and changing colour, turquoise was regarded as a safe, beautiful gemstone.
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