Minerals are solid, naturally occurring inorganic substances that form the building blocks of rocks, and, therefore, our planet’s crust. Minerals & Crystals examines a selection of important minerals that occur on Earth, how they form, their physical characteristics, and how to go about identifying them. Mineral species descriptions detail their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses, and are illustrated with striking full-colour photographs. An invaluable guide for collectors, gemologists, students and anyone with an interest in earth sciences. Sales points: Highly illustrated accessible guide to minerals, their chemistry and morphology; full-colour photographs of each mineral; easy ID of more than 120 minerals.