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Mark Kurlansky, the bestselling author of Cod and The Basque History of the World , here turns his attention to a common household item with a long and intriguing history: salt. The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilization from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often... (learn more about this book)
In this remarkable book, Barbara Freese takes us on a rich historical journey that begins hundreds of millions of years ago and spans the globe. Prized as "the best stone in Britain" by Roman invaders who carved jewelry out of it, coal has transformed societies, expanded frontiers, and sparked... (learn more about this book)
Throughout history, precious stones have inspired passions and poetry, quests and curses, sacred writings and unsacred actions. In this scintillating book, journalist Victoria Finlay embarks on her own globe-circling search for the real stories behind some of the gems we prize most. Blending... (learn more about this book)
The fascinating story of the most powerful source of energy the earth can yield Uranium is a common element in the earth’s crust and the only naturally occurring mineral with the power to end all life on the planet. After World War II, it reshaped the global order—whoever could master... (learn more about this book)
For centuries, diamonds have symbolized wealth, prestige and love; however, behind those symbols lies a world of deceit, monopoly and war. Hart follows the diamond trail around the globe, from the basement room where Gabi Tolkowsky, the world's greatest diamond cutter, faced the... (learn more about this book)
This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on; Physical and chemical properties Origins and geologic significance Gems and semiprecious stones How to find and collect specimens Illustrated in full color throughout,... (learn more about this book)
See rocks and minerals up close in vivid detail, with an abundance of detailed information to match.
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The world’s fascination with the Russian imperial family endures, and with this stunning book a new spotlight is added. Jewels of the Tsars , the first book to examine the family’s unparalleled collection, is illustrated with extraordinary photographs taken under special conditions at the... (learn more about this book)
The fascinating story of the most powerful source of energy the earth can yield Uranium is a common element in the earth’s crust and the only naturally occurring mineral with the power to end all life on the planet. After World War II, it reshaped the global order—whoever could master... (learn more about this book)
Revered for their beauty, unique electrical qualities, and metaphysical attributes, crystals have been precious to mankind for centuries. Crystals for Beginners explores the universal allure of crystals and demonstrates how to channel their dynamic energies. Beginning with how... (learn more about this book)