From small beach pebbles to huge megaliths, stones have been revered, collected, enhanced, sculpted or engraved for practical and artistic purposes throughout the ages. They have been used to delineate boundaries and to build homes and shelters, and utilized for cooking, games and competitions. This surprising and fascinating compendium of stone facts, myths and stories reveals the impact and importance of stones in our history and culture.Cally Oldershaw introduces the science in an accessible way and covers the aesthetic appeal of stones, their practical uses and metaphysical properties. With an eclectic mix of examples from the Stone Age to the present, Stones engagingly excavates the story of this essential matter.

A handy guide identifying over 170 types of the world’s gemstones with beautiful colour photography taken from the Smithsonian Institution’s archives.`Gem Gemstones’ is an indispensable guide for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. This pocket-sized book explores the fascinating history of ornamental stones, discussing their different social and cultural meanings and monetary values through the ages.Each page features specific details about the crystal system, hardness, composition, lustre and gemstone `family’ of each gem.Full colour photography for each specimen with cut and uncut examples from the Smithsonian Institution’s archives are included throughout, as well as up-to-date information on where to go to view such gems.Simple illustrations show the crystal structure of each stone for ease of identification and a complete glossary and bibliography show where to go for further information.

Explore the beauty and majesty of planet Earth in this compendium, with more than 100 incredible stories and images.The world is so much more complex than young minds can fathom, from molten-hot rock and smouldering volcanoes to icy glaciers and bubbling springs. This book about the Earth for kids aged 7+ unlocks all the mysteries of our living, breathing planet.An Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth looks at our constantly changing planet, with striking images and scientific ideas that are easy for children to understand. Starting at the centre of the Earth, the book examines each layer in forensic detail: from Earth's metallic core, drilling through Earth's tough crust until emerging out onto the planet's surface, with its lush green rainforests, sparkling oceans, and snow-capped mountains, before sailing up into Earth's airy atmosphere.This detailed planet earth book for kids offers: - More than 100 stories about planet Earth, from snowflakes to cave pearls, each one accompanied by a photograph and delightful illustration.- Creative photography that presents planet Earth in surprising and remarkable ways, capturing nature in action or showing intriguing features up close.- Beautiful gold foil, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place.- In-depth feature pages that examine each layer of Earth.This striking book won't fail to excite budding geologists, geographers, environmentalists, and all-round planet Earth enthusiasts everywhere.With foil on the cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, this earth book makes an attractive gift for any child who is fascinated by our planet. With engaging information and absorbing images, this anthology is great for children to explore by themselves or for bedtime stories.More in the SeriesAn Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth is part of DK's beautiful and informative Anthology series. Complete the series and nurture your child's curiosity as they explore the natural world with The Wonders of Nature, let them walk with the dinosaurs who ruled the earth before them in Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life, or dive into the deep with An Anthology of Aquatic Life.

Explore the beauty and majesty of planet Earth in this compendium, with more than 100 incredible stories and images.The world is so much more complex than young minds can fathom, from molten-hot rock and smouldering volcanoes to icy glaciers and bubbling springs. This book about the Earth for kids aged 7+ unlocks all the mysteries of our living, breathing planet.An Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth looks at our constantly changing planet, with striking images and scientific ideas that are easy for children to understand. Starting at the centre of the Earth, the book examines each layer in forensic detail: from Earth's metallic core, drilling through Earth's tough crust until emerging out onto the planet's surface, with its lush green rainforests, sparkling oceans, and snow-capped mountains, before sailing up into Earth's airy atmosphere.This detailed planet earth book for kids offers: - More than 100 stories about planet Earth, from snowflakes to cave pearls, each one accompanied by a photograph and delightful illustration.- Creative photography that presents planet Earth in surprising and remarkable ways, capturing nature in action or showing intriguing features up close.- Beautiful gold foil, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place.- In-depth feature pages that examine each layer of Earth.This striking book won't fail to excite budding geologists, geographers, environmentalists, and all-round planet Earth enthusiasts everywhere.With foil on the cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, this earth book makes an attractive gift for any child who is fascinated by our planet. With engaging information and absorbing images, this anthology is great for children to explore by themselves or for bedtime stories.More in the SeriesAn Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth is part of DK's beautiful and informative Anthology series. Complete the series and nurture your child's curiosity as they explore the natural world with The Wonders of Nature, let them walk with the dinosaurs who ruled the earth before them in Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life, or dive into the deep with An Anthology of Aquatic Life.

From small beach pebbles to huge megaliths, stones have been revered, collected, enhanced, sculpted or engraved for practical and artistic purposes throughout the ages. They have been used to delineate boundaries and to build homes and shelters, and utilized for cooking, games and competitions. This surprising and fascinating compendium of stone facts, myths and stories reveals the impact and importance of stones in our history and culture.Cally Oldershaw introduces the science in an accessible way and covers the aesthetic appeal of stones, their practical uses and metaphysical properties. With an eclectic mix of examples from the Stone Age to the present, Stones engagingly excavates the story of this essential matter.

A handy guide identifying over 170 types of the world’s gemstones with beautiful colour photography taken from the Smithsonian Institution’s archives.`Gem Gemstones’ is an indispensable guide for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. This pocket-sized book explores the fascinating history of ornamental stones, discussing their different social and cultural meanings and monetary values through the ages.Each page features specific details about the crystal system, hardness, composition, lustre and gemstone `family’ of each gem.Full colour photography for each specimen with cut and uncut examples from the Smithsonian Institution’s archives are included throughout, as well as up-to-date information on where to go to view such gems.Simple illustrations show the crystal structure of each stone for ease of identification and a complete glossary and bibliography show where to go for further information.

Explore the beauty and majesty of planet Earth in this compendium, with more than 100 incredible stories and images.The world is so much more complex than young minds can fathom, from molten-hot rock and smouldering volcanoes to icy glaciers and bubbling springs. This book about the Earth for kids aged 7+ unlocks all the mysteries of our living, breathing planet.An Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth looks at our constantly changing planet, with striking images and scientific ideas that are easy for children to understand. Starting at the centre of the Earth, the book examines each layer in forensic detail: from Earth's metallic core, drilling through Earth's tough crust until emerging out onto the planet's surface, with its lush green rainforests, sparkling oceans, and snow-capped mountains, before sailing up into Earth's airy atmosphere.This detailed planet earth book for kids offers: - More than 100 stories about planet Earth, from snowflakes to cave pearls, each one accompanied by a photograph and delightful illustration.- Creative photography that presents planet Earth in surprising and remarkable ways, capturing nature in action or showing intriguing features up close.- Beautiful gold foil, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place.- In-depth feature pages that examine each layer of Earth.This striking book won't fail to excite budding geologists, geographers, environmentalists, and all-round planet Earth enthusiasts everywhere.With foil on the cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, this earth book makes an attractive gift for any child who is fascinated by our planet. With engaging information and absorbing images, this anthology is great for children to explore by themselves or for bedtime stories.More in the SeriesAn Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth is part of DK's beautiful and informative Anthology series. Complete the series and nurture your child's curiosity as they explore the natural world with The Wonders of Nature, let them walk with the dinosaurs who ruled the earth before them in Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life, or dive into the deep with An Anthology of Aquatic Life.

Explore the beauty and majesty of planet Earth in this compendium, with more than 100 incredible stories and images.The world is so much more complex than young minds can fathom, from molten-hot rock and smouldering volcanoes to icy glaciers and bubbling springs. This book about the Earth for kids aged 7+ unlocks all the mysteries of our living, breathing planet.An Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth looks at our constantly changing planet, with striking images and scientific ideas that are easy for children to understand. Starting at the centre of the Earth, the book examines each layer in forensic detail: from Earth's metallic core, drilling through Earth's tough crust until emerging out onto the planet's surface, with its lush green rainforests, sparkling oceans, and snow-capped mountains, before sailing up into Earth's airy atmosphere.This detailed planet earth book for kids offers: - More than 100 stories about planet Earth, from snowflakes to cave pearls, each one accompanied by a photograph and delightful illustration.- Creative photography that presents planet Earth in surprising and remarkable ways, capturing nature in action or showing intriguing features up close.- Beautiful gold foil, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place.- In-depth feature pages that examine each layer of Earth.This striking book won't fail to excite budding geologists, geographers, environmentalists, and all-round planet Earth enthusiasts everywhere.With foil on the cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, this earth book makes an attractive gift for any child who is fascinated by our planet. With engaging information and absorbing images, this anthology is great for children to explore by themselves or for bedtime stories.More in the SeriesAn Anthology of Our Extraordinary Earth is part of DK's beautiful and informative Anthology series. Complete the series and nurture your child's curiosity as they explore the natural world with The Wonders of Nature, let them walk with the dinosaurs who ruled the earth before them in Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life, or dive into the deep with An Anthology of Aquatic Life.