This book will help young researchers get started by learning the tools of the trade and setting expectations. There probably isn't going to be gold lying around in your backyard or local park, but there may be other cool rock samples that only you can find in your part of the world. The book will guide readers toward samples they may find in North America and help them identify what to look for in rocks and gems, like color, luster, hardness, and light, with a host of tests to figure out which sample they've uncovered.