Dig down into the history of rocks, minerals, and other treasures and uncover the stories behind these marvelous materials. From dazzling gems to beautiful buildings, this book for children aged 9+ is filled with rocks and minerals, each one with a tale to tell. Treasures of the Earth is a tale of our fascination with precious things–how they were made, how we’ve used them and how their legends grow with each year that passes. Packed with striking visuals, gems of geological information, and stories from cultures all around the world, this book is a must-have for budding rockhounds and curious kids. This all-encompassing rock and gem book for kids offers: An impressive collection of gems, rocks, and crystals, from their natural state to polished perfection. Facts on every page that explain how the shapes, patterns, and colors of rocks and minerals are formed. Contents organized by different rock and gem types, for example, Native Elements, Organic Gems, and Gemstones. What gem was more precious than gold to Chinese emperors? Who suffered the curse of the Hope Diamond? And why did Burmese soldiers insert rubies under their skin before battle? This book will answer all this and more, through colorful photography of rocks and artifacts, and gorgeous illustrations that bring the stories to life.