I completed an XRF analysis on two known Bisbee turquoise pieces. My unit is an EPA approved Thermo Niton XL3t 950 GOLDD XRF detector. Analysis was performed in AllTestGeo mode for mineral analyses.
Samples A and B were both analyzed in-situ at the locations shown.
Sample A was a sacrificial sample. The turquoise and matrix were separated, pulverized, then analyzed separately and mixed.
The results are shown in a photo of the spreadsheet since I could not upload an Excel file. I have the complete analysis showing the trace elements if interested.
Ok, now I’m going to ask all the goofy questions. I understand the breakdown of the chemical analysis so is there a master sheet for the individual mines that allows you to identify the specific turquoise that you have? Also, is it possible to test jewelry or must the turquoise be removed? Thanks
Well @Islandmomma , the XRF is basically a non-destructive test. That being said, pulverization to obtain a homogeneous sample is ultimately recommended. This can be seen by the variation in elemental compositions.
My purpose in conducting the test was to illustrate the complexity of establishing an elemental fingerprint for each type of turquoise. IMHO, the variation of the elemental compositions in just two Bisbee samples would ultimately make it difficult to point to a single source. Of course we would need additional samples from other locations to make a true comparison.
I have a ring with 3 small pieces of Bisbee - I wouldn’t want to sacrifice those 
