Turquoise: Identifying and Collecting the Southwest's Iconic Gemstone [Paperback]

Explore the beauty and history of turquoise, one of the most celebrated and treasured gemstones of ancient and modern times.

Revered around the world, turquoise is a mineral with two histories: that of its formation and that of the people who have mined, traded, and treasured it. Turquoise is an icon of ancient civilizations and especially of the desert regions where it most famously appears. Uncover the history and the secrets of this coveted gemstone inTurquoise. Written by Dan R. Lynch with Bob Lynch, the authors of several books about rocks and minerals, this is the definitive guide to the sky-blue stone.

Begin by learning the natural history of turquoise, from how it forms to where it’s found. Dan and Bob present tips for finding and identifying turquoise, and they introduce turquoise look-alikes. Next, go in-depth on the human history of turquoise. You’ll learn all about buying and caring for turquoise, and you can glimpse our future with this gemstone of the American Southwest. Whether you’re a rockhound or someone who simply appreciates nature’s wonders, grab this book and get to know the storied mineral whose very name is a symbol of color.

Book Features

• Summary of the fascinating natural history
• Expert advice on how to find and identify turquoise
• Full-color photographs and maps
• Suggestions on what to do with turquoise

Physical Aspects and Appearance

Color

Turquoise is a mineral known first and foremost for its color—the color turquoise is, in fact, named after the mineral. In mineralogy, color is usually highly variable and is rarely reliable as a diagnostic trait, but that is not so with turquoise. Though the blue-green coloration is not unique to turquoise, it is so intrinsic to turquoise that it will be an identifying feature when distinguishing it from most other milƒB