What are crystals and how do they form? How are crystals related to minerals, and what are their properties? This book answers these questions and many more about cool crystals. From their unique structure to the most popular types of crystals in the world, everything readers need to know is covered!

What kinds of fossils exist, and where are they found? What are fossils and how do they form? This book answers this question and many more about the fascinating world of fossils. From the discovery of dinosaurs to the information fossils reveal about Earth's prehistoric past, everything readers need to know is covered!

Gemstones is the first attempt in English to bring together the geological, mineralogical and gemmological developments that have taken place during the last thirty years. Though there have been many gemstone books published in that time, most have been concerned, understandably and rightly, with the science of gem testing and have covered that area very well. Details of the geological occurrence of many of the classic gemstones, and of nearly all those which have only recently been discovered, have been less adequately dealt with. Coverage has been restricted to a number of papers in a wide variety of geological and mineralogical journals. Gemstones hopes to get the balance right. In the preparation of the book all the journals and monographs in the field have been consulted so that the book should stand for some years as the authority to which gemmologists and others turn in the first instance. Ease of reference and depth of coverage make Gemstones both a reference book and a bench book. Acknow ledgements I am grateful to Brian Jackson of the Department of Geology, Royal Museums of Scotland who read the manuscript and painstakingly indicated places where amendment or alteration was needed. I am also grateful to the publishers of the books on which the line illustrations are based. The colour plates present in the book derive from a number of sources, which I would like to acknowledge as follows. Plates 1, 4-15 and 17 Crown copyright reserved.

What are minerals and how do they form? What do they look like and where are they found? This book answers these questions and many more about magnificent minerals. From their role as the building blocks of rocks to the most common minerals on Earth, everything readers need to know is covered!

"This book introduces readers to crystals and gems"--

A stunning visual reference book for little geologists who love to find fascinating rocks all around them. Identify colorful gemstones, sparkly crystals, the toughest rocks, and ancient fossils. Packed with fun facts, information, and extensive photos all about the rocks and minerals that make up the world around us. Interactive learning that engages young scholarly minds. Learn about 64 different types of rocks and minerals, how to tell the difference between them and where to find them. Dig into all the interesting geological materials from deep space to the deepest caves. You'll even discover glow in the dark minerals and living gems! Find out about the stuff our world is made of, and how rocks and minerals form over time. This captivating book introduces children to hands-on science with fun activities like starting your own impressive rock collection and how to stay safe on your rock finding missions. Written for kids aged 6 to 9 with bite-sized information and explanations. The easy-to-understand language gives them a rock-solid foundation for science subjects. The geology book includes the phonetic pronunciation of the rock and mineral names so your little one will sound like a rock expert in no time. Rockin' It With Stones And Minerals - Stunning high-quality photographs. - Inspiring activities for little Earth scientists. - Over 64 types of rocks, their properties, and how they are formed.

Updated 5th Edition with new sites & museums! Learn Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals SOUTHEAST Alabama • Arkansas • Florida • Georgia • Kentucky • Louisiana • Mississippi • Missouri • North Carolina • South Carolina • Tennessee • Virginia • West Virginia Whether you’re digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or “prospector,” with a simple rock hammer and a little luck, you too can strike it rich ... or at the very least, have fun trying. This guide offers you easy-to-use information on the ins and outs of “fee dig” mining, complete with locations, costs, tips on technique, entertaining legends and important information on everything from safety kits to the location of the nearest restrooms. Included are resources for use in identifying your finds, exploring the lapidary arts, and further pursuing an exciting—and possibly profitable—hobby. Equipment and Clothing: What you need and where to find it (or how to make it yourself). Mining Techniques: Step-by-step instructions on panning for gold, sluicing for gems and other methods. Gem and Mineral Sites: Directions and maps, hours, fees and equipment needed. Also includes info on guide services, local camping facilities and more. Museums and Mine Tours: Where to visit commercial and historical mines, as well as museums with exhibits of gems and minerals (for help in learning what to look for). Special Events and Tourist Information: Listings of regional events involving gems and minerals, and sources of general travel and tourism information for every state. Other Features: Where to find your birthstone ... your anniversary stone ... your zodiac stone; Index by State; Index by Gem/Mineral; U.S. State Gems & Minerals Chart; and more!

Concise description of each rock, crystal and mineral, with at-a-glance information on composition and physical properties.