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.

Joe Dan Lowry is world-renowned for his knowledge about turquoise and is sought after for appraisals, interviews, and lectures. He owns turquoise mines, is a skilled lapidary, and is co-author of the book Turquoise Unearthed. He developed and is curator of the Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he lives. Joe P. Lowry has been the president of Zach-Low since 1972 and is the founder and president of The Turquoise Museum since 1993. He has been involved in bringing education to the turquoise and Indian jewelry industry at museums and national parks around the country. He co-authored Turquoise Unearthed with his son, Joe Dan Lowry. Joe P. Lowry has been the president of Zach-Low since 1972 and is the founder and president of The Turquoise Museum since 1993. He has been involved in bringing education to the turquoise and Indian jewelry industry at museums and national parks around the country. He co-authored Turquoise Unearthed with his son, Joe Dan Lowry.