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.
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.
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.
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
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.