"Find our about the rocks beneath your feet and te minerals they contain. Discover how they are used--from the graphite in pencils, to precious metals and gems. Learn the secrets of ancient fossils and how new rocks are made." -- Back cover. "Unearth a treasure trove of geological knowledge with this in-depth guide to over 500 rocks and minerals"-- Provided by publisher.

At head of title: Eyewitness. Includes index.

Our rocky planet -- Rocks and their minerals -- Rock formation -- Weathering and erosion -- Rocks on the seashore -- Igneous rock -- Volcanic rock -- Sedimentary rock -- Limestone -- Metamorphism -- Marble -- The first flint tools -- Rocks as tools -- Pigments -- Building stones -- The story of coal -- Fossils -- Space rocks -- Minerals -- Crystals -- Crystal growth -- The properties of minerals -- Gemstones -- Other gems -- Ore minerals -- Precious metals -- Cutting and polishing -- Starting a collection -- Did you know? -- Rock or mineral? -- Find out more -- Glossary.