Crystal and Gem (DK Eyewitness Books Series)

by R.F. Symes

Overview

See crystals of every color, find out which gemstones are priceless, and explore the uses of crystals in technology as well as jewelry.

From the rarest crystal to the most common stone, gems from around the world are revealed in dazzling detail in this illustrated guide. Young readers can use the encyclopedic profiles to identify all kinds of crystals and gems, and watch how a diamond in the rough becomes the show-stopping centerpiece of a valuable ring. Packed with essential information, this edition is more interactive than ever with new infographics, statistics, facts, and timelines.

Find out what gives a labradorite its colors, discover how piezoelectricity is used, and see how crystals can be made in a laboratory. Eyewitness Crystal & Gem is the perfect guide for homework help on crystals or those simply wanting to further their knowledge of these fabulous natural creations. This book also comes with a fact-filled poster, great for your bedroom wall or classroom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781465420527
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	06/16/2014
Series:	DK Eyewitness
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	72
Sales rank:	407,274
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	1070L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

R. F. Symes, better known as Bob, was a celebrated figure in British geology and mineralogy for almost 50 years. He joined the staff of the British Museum in 1957 in the natural history department and eventually earned a BSc in geology from Birkbeck College. Symes was largely responsible for bringing the first electron microprobes to the Natural History Museum. Alongside P. G. Embrey, he discovered the minerals parkinsonite and mereheadite. A pink oxychloride, symesite, was named in his honor in 2000. He was also awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to the Natural History Museum and to mineralogy. R. F. Symes died in 2016.

Table of Contents

What is a crystal?     6
A world of crystals     8
Natural beauty     10
Crystals-outside...     12
...and inside     14
The color of crystals     16
Identification     18
Natural growth     20
Good habits     22
Discovery-recovery     24
Growing from seed     26
Crystals at work     28
Good vibrations     30
Quartz     32
Diamond     34
Corundum     36
Beryl     38
Opal     40
Other gemstones     42
Collectors' items     48
Stones for carving     50
Precious metals     52
Animal and vegetable     54
What is it worth?     56
Making them sparkle     58
Lore and legends     60
Crystals at home     62
Did you know?     64
Identifying gemstones     66
Find out more     68
Glossary     70
Index     72