Practically everything we do or use in our daily lives depends on materials we take from the ground. The history of our exploration of the world has often centered on obtaining strategic mineral resources. For example, the lust for gold funded much of the exploration and conquest of the Americas by Europeans. Look around you now and see all the things that are made out of rocks and minerals. The paper of this book, though mostly plant fiber, has probably...

The go-to instructional guide for the modern rockhounder and prospector, ideal for enthusiasts at all skill levels.

Detailed full-color spreads help beginning naturalists observe and understand over 150 types of rocks and minerals.

"Impress your friends and family with all these weird but true facts about everything rock and mineral"--

Four and a half billion years ago, how did life emerge on Earth? Robert Hazen advances a startling idea, that the rocks on Earth were not only essential to jump-starting life, but then, life helped give birth to hundreds of minerals we rely upon today.

With this book, you'll experience the excitement of finding, collecting, and identifying rocks and minerals.

"This insightful, objective, and evidence-based overview of the most commonly used supplements dispels misinformation and provides facts from a qualified physician's point of view"--Provided by publisher.