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 colours of rocks and minerals are formed. Contents organised 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 colourful photography of rocks and artefacts and gorgeous illustrations that bring the stories to life.