"...a pretty compendium of exceptionally fine full-color photos of a large variety of minerals and gemstones, some in their native matrixes or in a natural state, and others shown polished and burnished and faceted, glittering as jewelry, coins, unset gems, or decorative objects....informative captions. Longer texts introduce various groups of minerals and gems and are followed by paragraphs on specific types....Attractive and readable...includes such details as preparing for a field trip, cleaning and displaying a collection, and a helpful glossary."--School Library Journal.