Be an eyewitness to the world beneath your feet Earth: we use it for building, industry, energy, sculpture, coins, and even jewellery. Find out all about it, from how our landscapes evolved, to mineral mining and how diamonds and precious stones are cut. Get the picture using the clip-art CD with over 100 amazing images to download. Then use the giant pull-out wallchart to decorate your room. Great for projects or just for fun, this fact-packed guide and CD shows and tells you everything you need to know about rocks and minerals.

The Earth

What are rocks and minerals?

How rocks are formed

Weathering and erosion

Rocks on the seashore

Igneous rocks

Volcanic rocks

Sedimentary rocks

Limestone caves

Metamorphic rocks

Marble

The first flint tools

Rocks as tools

Pigments

Building stones

The story of coal

Fossils

Rocks from space

Rock-forming minerals

The growing crystal

The properties of minerals

Gemstones

Decorative stones

Lesser-known gems

Ore minerals and metals

Precious metals

Cutting and polishing

Collecting rocks and minerals

Did you know?

Rock or mineral?

Find out more

Glossary

Index