White Buffalo Turquoise - The Sacred White Stone
White Buffalo is not technically turquoise - it is a white calcium mineral variant from the same geological family, mined from a single source near Tonopah, Nevada. Named for the sacred white buffalo of Plains Indian tradition and its rarity, White Buffalo has become one of the most prized non-blue stones in contemporary Southwest jewelry. Every White Buffalo piece at LomaSiiva is sourced from documented Otteson family mine material or equivalently provenanced Nevada material.
What White Buffalo actually is
Chemically, White Buffalo is a magnesite or dolomite variant with trace minerals giving it the black spiderweb or vein matrix. It is not blue turquoise depleted of color. Visually, White Buffalo is pure white to cream in the body with striking black spiderweb, vein, or blotch matrix patterns. The Otteson family mine in Nevada is the recognized primary source. Material marketed as White Buffalo from other locations is usually imitation or a different material entirely.
Why it is rare and sought
- Single-mine source. Unlike turquoise which is mined from hundreds of locations, White Buffalo has one verified geological origin. This scarcity is inherent.
- Low yield. The Nevada mine produces small amounts relative to demand. Pieces appearing in the market are typically from current production or limited earlier stockpiles.
- Distinctive look. No other stone matches the pure-white-plus-black-matrix appearance. Related stones like variscite or howlite look similar but not identical.
- Cultural resonance. The name evokes the sacred white buffalo prophecy of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations, adding a layer of spiritual significance that many collectors value.
White Buffalo in Southwest jewelry
White Buffalo pairs strikingly with sterling silver - the contrast between the bright metal, the white body of the stone, and the black matrix is dramatic. Navajo silversmiths use White Buffalo in statement cuffs and pendants. Zuni artists sometimes incorporate small White Buffalo pieces in multi-stone inlay work. Use in Santo Domingo mosaic is less common but growing.
How to spot fake White Buffalo
- Howlite imitation. Howlite is naturally white with dark veining and is sold dyed or undyed as White Buffalo imitation. Howlite is much softer than White Buffalo (Mohs 3.5 vs 5-6) and the matrix in howlite is more uniform and less dramatic than in real White Buffalo.
- Magnesite from other sources. Similar minerals from non-Nevada sources sometimes sell under the White Buffalo name. Provenance documentation is the only way to distinguish.
- Resin composites. Plastic mixed with ground white stone, marketed at bargain prices. Resin composites are notably lighter and have no natural grain.
- Paint over howlite. Painted black matrix on white howlite. The paint wears off with handling, revealing the imitation.
Authentic White Buffalo at a pendant or ring level typically starts around $200-300 and climbs with stone size, matrix quality, and artist reputation. Pieces priced below about $100 are almost always imitations.
Shop White Buffalo jewelry at LomaSiiva
Browse authentic White Buffalo pieces across the catalog. Provenance on the stone material is documented on the Certificate of Authenticity where known.
- White Buffalo necklaces and pendants
- White Buffalo rings
- White Buffalo bracelets
- White Buffalo earrings
FAQ
Is White Buffalo turquoise?
Technically no - it is a calcium mineral (magnesite or dolomite variant), not copper-based turquoise. But it is mineralogically related and is marketed alongside turquoise in the Southwest jewelry tradition.
Why does the name say "Buffalo"?
The Otteson family named the stone after the sacred white buffalo of Plains Indian tradition, recognizing both the stone's rarity and its cultural significance. The name also distinguishes the stone from other white minerals in the Southwest jewelry market.
Will White Buffalo scratch or wear?
White Buffalo is slightly softer than many turquoise varieties (Mohs 5-6 vs 5-7 for turquoise). Stabilized White Buffalo wears well in ring and bracelet settings with normal care. Natural (unstabilized) White Buffalo benefits from gentler wear and occasional polish.