the outlay necessary to put them in proper working condition.
Centuries
ago turquoise was mined by Egyptians in the Wady Maghara, in the desert
of Sinai. They prized this Arabian turquoise, but specimens obtained
from the red sandstone quarries of Arabia about fifty years ago proved
very poor, fading soon after exposure to the light.
Turquoise was also mined in ancient times in the land of Midian, and in Mexico before the discovery of America.
It
is found also in Victoria and New South Wales, but the most plentiful
supply to-day comes from New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California.
The American product is rapidly growing in favor, large quantities
being cut here and also shipped to Europe, where it finds ready sale
among the cutters.
