Rock & Gem: The Definitive Guide to Rocks, Minerals, Gemstones, and Fossils

xplore Earth’s natural treasures, from their primeval origins to  traditional uses and modern-day appeal with this illustrated guide to  rocks, minerals, crystals, gems and more!

Featuring sparkling  crystals, vibrant gemstones, and other precious materials often prized  for their beauty, such as amber, coral, and fossils, this illustrated  guide is sure to captivate every rockhound and budding gemmologist.

Learn  how to identify more than 450 rock and mineral specimens through  beautiful photographs and key characteristics. Discover more about rocks  and minerals through folklore and historical artefacts, and find out  the fascinating stories behind some of the amazing natural treasures,  including the Hope Diamond and the Great Mogul emerald. Plus there is  information on polishing and displaying your finds to further equip you  with all the knowledge needed to become a rock and mineral collector.

Dive deep into this riveting book on rocks and minerals to further discover:
• Comprehensive coverage of more than 450 specimens of rocks, minerals, crystals, gems and fossils.
•  Expert text and high-quality images combine to make this an  indispensable reference tool for every rockhound and budding  gemmologist.
• Detailed reference panels provide key at-a-glance information for identifying specimens.
• Feature panels on folklore, historical artefacts, and famous gems tell the fascinating stories of rocks and minerals.
• Includes information on collecting and showing rocks and minerals.

Practical  advice on cutting, polishing, and displaying your finds further equips  you with all the knowledge needed to delve into the arena of rock and  mineral collecting.

SI Rock and Gem was produced in association  with the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, the world's largest museum  complex, ensuring the guide's accuracy.