Gems for Kids - (Junior Scientists) by Ashley Hall & Lee Hall

Book Synopsis

Unearth our planet's glittering treasures--a fascinating book of gems for kids 6 to 9

What do dusty old rocks have to do with the shiny, colorful jewels that you see in rings and necklaces? Everything! Set off on a journey inside Earth and learn the different ways our planet uses rocks and minerals to make gemstones. Discover how some grow in red-hot magma deep underground, while others are made by animals or plants, plus fun facts about their colors, shapes, uses, and more. You'll even learn how to grow your own crystals with sugar and water!

Gems for Kids includes:

• 25 Different stones--Dig in to some of the world's most rare, popular, and colorful gems, from amethyst and opal to pearl and ruby.
• The parts of a gem--Learn how gems are classified by things like color, shape, streak, luster, and parent minerals, and what these properties mean about where the gem came from.
• Earth science basics--Explore the scientific principles behind how rocks form, how gems form inside them, and what makes them so valuable and beautiful.

Rock hounds, get ready! It's time to explore the incredible world of gems.

Review Quotes

"As a mostly now-adult who grew up loving geology, I can say this book is a great starting point for any kid with a budding interest in rocks and minerals. The diagrams, photos, and illustrations are bright, large, and easy to understand. The text is clearly written and well-paced, with approachable summaries of very big subjects essential to understanding the rocks and minerals that we call gems. This includes good, relatable examples of rocks and minerals in everyday life, from the elements of our bones to the chemistry of salt crystals. Descriptions of individual gemstones are comprehensive yet easily accessible, with additional fun facts provided to encourage the reader to think about gems in broader context. The chemistry of minerals and gems, a necessary topic for such a book, is thoughtfully sprinkled in to help the reader build their awareness without getting overwhelmed. Prompts for further self-directed exploration are also a nice touch." --David Levering, M.S, Director of Sternberg Science Camps

"If you're looking for a book that will grab a kid's attention, entertain, and educate, look no further! Gems for Kids is filled with applied information, wonderful pictures, and great ways to apply newfound knowledge on everyday household objects hiding geologic secrets." --Dr. Win McLaughlin, Visiting Assistant Professor of Geology, Pomona College

"Like many kids, my first introduction to science was through rocks and minerals. Gems for Kids is a wonderful beginners guide to gemology. In fact, I wish I had this as a reference when I was in school!" --Kallie Moore, Collections Manager, University of Montana Paleontology Collection and Host of PBS Eons

About the Author

Ashley Hall is a paleontologist, naturalist, science educator and communicator. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Animal Behavior at Indiana University Bloomington. As Assistant Curator of Paleontology at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, she excavated, identified, and helped care for the museum's fossil collection.

LEE HALL is a paleontologist at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana. Lee has loved geology since childhood. His passion was encouraged by his mother, who bought him minerals and fossils in rock shops, and by his father, who took him to bookshops and libraries for geology and paleontology books.