Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide

by Joe P. Lowry

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1887896333
• ISBN13: 9781887896337
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Rio Nuevo Publishers
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Well put together

Great for those wanting to understand the basics of the classic Main American turquoise story with a section in the back with info on Lander blue,Number 8, fox. Morenci, Cerillos, Kingman etc...no value on pricing is given but this book is generally a great little reference guide. Worth getting if you are a collector or looking to learn more.

ALL YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT TURQUOISE

THIS BOOK OFFERS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL EVER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TURQUOISE. I LOVE BROWSING THROUGH IT AND KEEP IT ON MY COFFEE TABLE. ANYONE WHO HAS A LOVE OR DESIRES A KNOWLEDGE OF TURQUOISE WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK. A MUST FOR THE COLLECTOR!! YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A PIECE OF TURQUOISE WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE IT ORIGINATED FROM.

A excellent introduction to turquoise

"Turquoise Unearthed" in a brief but thorough introduction to turquoise that would be suitable for anyone interested in turquoise and turquoise jewellery. Although only 74 pages in length, this book is packed full of information, including a history of turquoise, advice on purchasing turquoise, and a guide to the different turquoise mines in the American South-West. There are colour pictures throughout the book, including colour photographs of the turquoise you would find in each of the mines (yes, turquoise does differ between mines); a recommended reading list at the end; and most importantly, it actually has an index. The only thing that could have made this book better would be some sort of pricing guide. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent book and well worth the money I paid.

For those who THINK they know everything about Turquoise...

I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby. I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became my favorite reference for the rest of my life. If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!" No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call! My many thanks to the Lowry family for their labor of love...from the "Turq" Museum to this book...and I hope we cross paths real soon.

Should be required reading for turquoise lovers...

This compact little book is jammed solid with luscious pictures of tuquoise and to-the-point information. The topics discussed range from the technique of inlays to the various methods turquoise is altered on the modern market - from 'stabilizing' to 'color enhancing'. The heart of the book, which is sure to captivate rock hounds and bead/jewelry designers (I fall into both camps) is the pictorial review of the major American mines. You'll be able to see at a glance the difference between the pale greens of King Manassas and the blackberry-like beauty of Lander Blue. Oh, and if you're planning a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the author's Turquoise Museum is probably the best-kept tourist secret around. Highly recommended.