Includes index.

Our rocky planet -- The rock cycle -- Rocks -- Minerals and gems -- Fossils -- Shells -- Famous treasures.

The Rock and Gem Book is packed full of photos of natural wonders, including rocks, minerals, gems, shells and fossils. This children's encyclopedia displays more than 1,200 full-color specimens, from sapphires and rubies to silver and pearl, revealing the unique qualities of each material and how it is used in industry, architecture, art and science. Including precious metals, rare fossils, tiny gemstones and giant shells, the Rock and Gem Book gives a complete overview of the Earth's naturally occurring marvels and the beautiful objects created from them.