Rock And Gem Book From Smithsonian

$25.00

1 copy of Rock And Gem Book

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Rock And Gem Book From Smithsonian

Rock And Gem Book From Smithsonian, From primeval origins to their astonishing modern-day uses and appeal, this is the ultimate portrait of Earth’s geological riches – rocks, minerals, crystals, and gems. Also included is a focussed look at other precious materials often prized for their beauty, such as amber, coral, ivory, and fossils.

Learn how to identify more than 450 rock and mineral specimens through stunning photographs and detailed characteristics. Discover more about rocks and minerals through folklore and historical artifacts, and find out the fascinating stories behind the world’s natural treasures, including the Hope diamond and the Great Mogul emerald. Practical advice on cutting, polishing, and displaying your finds further equips you with all the knowledge needed to delve into the world of rock and mineral collecting.

Rock and Gem were produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the world’s largest museum complex, ensuring the guide’s accuracy.

Origins
6
    The Formation of the Universe
8
    The Formation of Earth
12
    Earth’s Crust
16
    Collecting Rocks and Minerals
20
Rocks
26
    Rock Formation
28
    Types of Rock
30
    Igneous Rocks
32
        The Giant’s Causeway
44
        The Devil’s Tower
48
   Sedimentary Rocks
52
        Caves and Caverns
56
        The Terra-Cotta Army
62
        The Painted Desert
66
        Stonehenge
72
    Metamorphic Rocks
76
        The Taj Mahal
80
Minerals
86
    What is a Mineral?
88
    Identifying Minerals
92
    Mineral Associations
96
    What is a Crystal?
98
    Crystal Systems
100
    Crystal Habits
102
    What is a Gemstone?
104
    Gem Mining
106
    Gem Cutting
108
        Megagems
110
    Native Elements
112
        Egyptian Gold
116
        Hope Diamond
124
    Sulfides
126
    Sulfosalts
142
    Oxides
146
        Star Stones and Cat’s eyes
152
        Fluorescent Minerals
160
    Hydroxides
166
    Halides
170
    Carbonates
176
        Russian Malachite
186
    Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates
188
        Mesoamerican Turquoise
198
    Borates and Nitrates
204
    Sulfates, Chromates, Tungstates and Molybdates
208
    Silicates
218
        Tectosilicates
218
        Feldspars
234
        Feldspathoids
242
            The Standard of Ur
246
        Zeolites
249
        Phyllosilicates
256
        Single-Chain Inosilicates
270
        Double-Chain Inosilicates
278
            Chinese Burial Suits
282
        Cyclosilicates
286
        Sorosilicates
294
        Nesosilicates
298
        The Garnet Group
300
    Organic Gems
314
        The Amber Room
316
        Cultivating Pearls
324
Fossils
326
    How Fossils are Formed
328
    The Fossil Record
330
    Plants
332
        The Arizona Petrified Forest
334
    Invertebrates
337
    Vertebrates
348
        The Dinosaur Quarry
350
Glossary
352
Index
354
Acknowledgements
359

 

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Weight 2.5 lbs
Dimensions 10 × 7 × 1 in
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