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DK Eyewitness Books
Crystal & Gem
Describes how crystals form in nature, how crystals are grown artificially, and how crystals are used in industry. Numerous color photos with text identify the various gemstones.
72 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1960
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 9, 2017
Wonderful information in book which is well illustrated, Excellent just what I expect from DK.
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April 4, 2021nostalgic 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.
April 17, 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.
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.
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.
January 20, 2019
Could have used a pronunciation guide but I learned a lot and as ever, great photos.
January 13, 2022
Excellent resource
April 13, 2024
Great info and photos.
November 10, 2024
Descriptions of the most amazing gems and crystals accompanied by photos of some other rock.
October 27, 2017
2000 Adult Version
September 10, 2017
Another book good for getting kids interested in science. Popular with libraries.
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.
January 16, 2016
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
January 7, 2012
research resource for children explaining the growth and differences of crystals and gems
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October 10, 2012it is a grate book
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.
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