Discusses where minerals are found, what gemstones are, which mineral is hard enough to scratch all other minerals, and more.

Includes index.

Studying minerals -- Identifying minerals -- Types of minerals -- Crystals and gemstones -- Minerals around the world -- Measuring how hard minerals are -- Common uses of minerals -- The myth of amethyst -- What is a mineralogist? -- Minerals quiz -- Science in action -- Words to know/index.