TURQUOISE UNEARTHED: An Illustrated Guide (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) - Softcover

Showcasing works by modern jewelers, and featuring the historic Native American perspective, a complete guide to turquoise provides an in-depth look at both rough and polished natural turquoise from more than twenty famous “classic” mines. Original.

In the American Southwest, turquoise is a highly prized gemstone with great cultural significance. Author Joe Dan Lowry is recognized worldwide as a leading expert on the subject, and Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide is the definitive resource for rock hounds and serious collectors alike. Lowry describes the fascinating history of turquoise mining in the American Southwest and reveals the astonishing variety of colors and forms that make this a gemstone like no other. Among Native American peoples of the Southwest, turquoise is especially prized, with blue stones symbolizing Father Sky and greener ones evoking Mother Earth. This lavishly illustrated volume also features some of the finest examples of antique and contemporary Southwest Indian turquoise jewelry.