• What are the three types of rock and how do they form?
• Where was the oldest fossil found?
• What are minerals used for?
• Why are gems so rare and expensive?

Become a Rock Explorer and discover the answers to all those questions! From dinosaur fossils and sparkling diamonds, to rare minerals and the rocks we find on the ground, this book presents amazing facts about our natural world which will amaze and inspire you to go rock hunting. Split into four chapters: Rocks, Minerals, Fossils and Gems, and featuring simple, easy-to-understand text, this book is perfect for young explorers keen to understand the world around them.

CLAUDIA MARTIN is the author of many children's books and has worked in publishing for over 20 years. Her favorite subjects include geography, history, animals, and technology.

CLAUDIA MARTIN specializes in non-fiction books for children of pre- and primary school age. Her favourite subjects are animals, history, geography, and culture. She has been shortlisted for the prestigious Aventis Junior Science Prize, and won a dozen Practical Pre-School Gold Awards. When she's not writing, Claudia likes spending time with her family, taking long walks, going to the theater and watching contemporary dance - her favorite dancer is Akram Khan.

What is a Rock? 4
Igneous Rock 6
Sedimentary Rock 8
Metamorphic Rock 10
Amazing Patterns 12
Strange Shapes 14
Deep Caves 16
Useful Rock 18
Rock Art 20
What is a Fossil? 22
How Fossils Form 24
Hunting for Fossils 26
Sea Creatures 28
Discovering Dinosaurs 30
Strange and Extinct 32
Wonderful Wings 34
Precious Plants 36
What is a Mineral? 38
How Minerals Grow 40
Amazing Crystals 42
Bright and Beautiful 44
Shining Metals 46
Strange and Powerful 48
Most Deadly 50
Hunting for Minerals 52
Useful Minerals 54
What is a Gemstone? 56
Colorful Jewels 58
Dazzling Diamonds 60
Precious Patterns 62
Hiding Inside 64
Found in the Ground 66
Rare and Strange 68
Cutting and Polishing 70
Famous Jewels 72
Guide 74
Glossary 76
Index 78