08/31/2026
🤍 Where does White Buffalo come from?
White Buffalo is a white gemstone material mined in Nevada, particularly associated with the Tonopah area. It is generally described as a form of calcite, rather than turquoise.
The material became popular in Native American-style and Southwestern jewelry because it has a striking appearance: a white to creamy-white body with dramatic black, gray, or brown matrix.
🦬 Why is it called “White Buffalo”?
The name comes from its resemblance to the symbolism of the white buffalo, which has deep cultural significance among several Indigenous peoples of North America.
In the modern gemstone trade, the name was popularized to distinguish this distinctive white material from other white stones and to market it alongside turquoise.
✨ What makes good White Buffalo?
Collectors and jewelry buyers often look for:
Very white, clean color
Strong, attractive black matrix patterns
Minimal gray or yellow discoloration
Interesting natural patterns
Good polish and durability for the intended jewelry piece
And there is a lot of variation. Two pieces from the same general deposit can look dramatically different.
Are you ready to add White Buffalo to your collection? Contact us today for inventory and options.
