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DK Eyewitness Books

CRYSTAL AND GEM

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ISBN 0789457652 Crystal & Gem (Discover the Fascinating World of Crystals and Gems) B0018QJZ7O Crystal & Gem Paperback Publication 1991

Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

11 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

R.R. Harding

3 books

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5 stars
103 (41%)
4 stars
93 (37%)
3 stars
41 (16%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for meri.
989 reviews35 followers
Read
April 4, 2021
nostalgic as this was my fave nonfiction book as a kid and still managed to teach new things and i am a sucker for the pretty pics of gems.
Profile Image for Britney Padilla.
34 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2018
MS Science Series
Grade 5-8.

This book about gems and crystals begins by describing what they are and the science of how they are formed. Every page is filled with colorful photographs of these gems and crystals as they are classified into their own section. Also, every page is filled with historical facts on how some of the crystals and gems were used in the past. This book includes a mini lesson on the Earth’s different layers, how to describe the inside and outside of a crystal, and the various colors that the gems and crystals come in and their relation to the wavelengths of light. There is also a section on how they can be identified due to their level of hardness and the difference between a natural crystal or gem versus one that has been synthetically made with the goal of perfection. There is also a section on how crystals are being used in technology such as in credit cards, microchips, scalpels, lasers, and blades. Later sections bulk the types of crystals in gems into their specific categories; quartz, diamonds, corundum, beryl, opal, and other gemstones and precious metals. Strengths of this book are that it includes how crystals are now used in technology and in everyday life. The historical facts found throughout the book definitely add to the interest of the gems and crystals. A weakness of this book would be that there could be more organization in the format of the book. All the elements felt randomly scattered and was hard to focus on one thing at a time. It would be a good book to have in a science classroom. I would recommend this title to the target audience as the vocabulary and terms used may be too difficult for anyone younger. This title would be a good reference point if one is looking for information on one specific type of crystal or gem. The illustrations were mainly full colored photographs of crystals and gems. There were also photographs of locations where they were found and located and of historical figures.
171 reviews
January 17, 2023
While a bit dated at this point, this book still had a ton of great information about crystals and gems! I enjoyed the layout of information and plethora of pictures. I felt some parts were a bit repetitive, but overall I enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Sarah G.
243 reviews
January 20, 2019
Could have used a pronunciation guide but I learned a lot and as ever, great photos.
Profile Image for Cody.
187 reviews
November 10, 2024
Descriptions of the most amazing gems and crystals accompanied by photos of some other rock.
Profile Image for Kara Pascarella.
5 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2010
This book is all about all the different types of rocks and minerals. I didn’t learn new words but there are some big words. I would recommend this book to people interested in science our Earth or something in that category. The book tells you about the rock or gem and gives you a very good unique picture.
Profile Image for Little Timmy.
7,440 reviews62 followers
March 22, 2019
OK I know these are supposed to be kid books but they are awesome! Great pictures and just enough text to make you want to learn more. Great choices for a beginning history reader or to start an older reader out in a new area. Every time I pick one of these up and read it I learn new things. Highly Recommended
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,344 reviews135 followers
September 29, 2014
research resource for children explaining the growth and differences of crystals and gems
Profile Image for Kelsey Rogers.
10 reviews
October 1, 2017
Genre: Informational Text
Recommended grade levels: 5th-8th
Unique feature: There is a huge amount of information packed into this book, though this book includes many interesting visuals and makes use of different ways to present information. That way, kids stay engaged and aren't overwhelmed.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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