Turquoise: Identifying and Collecting the Southwest's Iconic Gemstone

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 in Turquoise. 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 naturally occurring and human-made 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 illustrations


• Suggestions on what to do with turquoise and how much it's worth

Dan R. Lynch is an author and photographer who has written more than 20 field guides, monographs, and children's books, covering a wide range of topics in the geological sciences. Born and raised on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, Dan learned the nuances of rock and mineral identification first-hand, both on the stony beaches and in his parents' rock shop, Agate City, in Two Harbors. In his years at the shop, he found that he had a knack for explaining complex topics like rock and mineral formation, putting them in simpler terms for eager novices.

Combining this skill with his love of photography and his hands-on background in geology, Dan has written several books in which he guides readers through all aspects of a topic, always starting at the beginning to ensure everyone has a solid foundation for understanding the more technical details that follow. In this way, he hopes to foster an appreciation for the earth beneath our feet, counteract online misinformation, and convey to readers the profound importance of science. Dan lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife and son, where he works as a classical numismatist and writer.