Turquoise Museum

Name: Turquoise Museum
Address: 400 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, United States, Albuquerque, 87102, United States
Telephone: +1 505-433-3684
Rating: 4.3

★★★★★ 4.3/5 (3,330 reviews) Very Good

About This Museum

Did you know that turquoise isn't always blue? It can be a stunning lime green or even a deep, almost black, brown. The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque pulls back the curtain on this mesmerizing gem, revealing its entire journey from rough stone pulled from the earth to the polished jewelry we all recognize. You'll get to feel the incredible weight of a raw nugget and see firsthand how a master cutter coaxes out its hidden beauty. It’s a surprisingly intimate and hands-on experience that completely changes how you see this iconic stone.

Collection Highlights

The 'Turquoise in the Rough' exhibit lets you touch raw specimens from famous mines like Nevada's Lander Blue, while another display showcases rare, spiderweb-patterned stones. Don't miss the chance to peer through a jeweler's loupe to see the unique matrix of each piece up close.

Visitor Information

Plan ahead, as entry is by guided tour only—they fill up fast! After your tour, the gift shop is a treasure trove where you can take home a genuine piece of the Southwest.

Architecture & Building

Housed in a sturdy, unassuming brick building in Albuquerque's historic district, it feels more like stepping into a master jeweler's private vault than a traditional museum.