Sleeping Beauty turquoise was discovered and sourced by Native Americans during the Anasazi period and used for trade with other tribes in North, South and Central America. Pueblo Bonito had a trading network just for Turquoise during that time period. The mine was used for copper and gold before it was discovered to have an abundance of turquoise. In the 1970s and 1980s Sleeping Beauty turquoise became hugely popular because of its Robin Egg blue color and little to no webbing. The mine quickly became known worldwide however having to close down in 2012 making the turquoise very rare and valuable. Our sleeping beauty cabochons are beautiful and rare so don't miss out on this opportunity to include some in your bracelets, cuffs, pendants and necklaces.