Collecting Gems & Minerals: Hold The Treasures Of The Earth In The Palm Of Your Hand

Imagine that the earth is a giant treasure chest just waiting to be unlocked. Included in her bounty are priceless jewels, glittering gems, and valuable minerals. This full-color guide to the safe and environmentally sound ways of finding and collecting gems and minerals is the key that enables you to explore the treasures of the earth. Learn what gems and minerals are, and how they are formed. Discover the secrets of crystals and find out how mystery minerals are identified. Examine famous gems in history, and see how gems and minerals are used in jewelry and in industry. Once your curiosity has been aroused, prepare to head out and search for gems and minerals on your own. Learn where to look and what equipment and techniques to use. Once you have collected specimens, see how to clean, cut, and polish them. Use the handy tips for organizing and displaying your collection. An easy-to-use identification guide helps you identify the gems and minerals you find. Breathtaking full-color photographs showcase exquisite specimens of colored quartz, amethyst, opal, diamond, jade, zircon, amber, pearl, turquoise, hematite, and many others. With this informative and handy manual as your guide, you will soon be enjoying the rewards of collecting gems and minerals.