Scientific American Investigates Gems

Could topaz protect you if you wore it? The Ancient Greeks and Egyptians thought so! Ancient people also believed a topaz would change color when near a poisoned food or drink. In this book presented by Scientific American, readers learn about the stories surrounding topaz, as well as the facts behind its formation in igneous rocks. Beautiful full-color photographs and fun fact boxes enhance the understandable text. The main content supports knowledge building, a key component of the science of reading.

Is the red gem a ruby or a garnet? For the untrained eye, these can be hard to tell apart. But, garnets can be colorless, red, black, or something green! These gems are often found in metamorphic rocks and have been valuable for thousands of years. This volume presented by Scientific American introduces readers to the creation, structure, and properties of garnets. Fun fact boxes offer readers surprising bits of knowledge, such as garnets' use in sandpaper. Beautiful full-color photographs enhance the understandable text. The main content supports knowledge building, a key component of the science of reading.

Did you know aquamarine has something in common with emeralds? They are both varieties of a mineral called beryl! Often found in Brazil, aquamarine is the most common form of beryl. In this book presented by Scientific American, readers find out how aquamarine forms, as well as the geologic processes surrounding its creation. Beautiful full-color photographs enhance the understandable text. The main content supports the science curriculum and helps readers in their knowledge building, a key component of the science of reading.

Today, amber is seen in beautiful jewelry. But did you know it's actually fossilized tree resin that's 40 million to 60 million years old? In this book presented by Scientific American, readers learn how this incredible gem forms, as well as about the fossilization process, how amber was first discovered, and what scientists can learn from pieces of amber. Beautiful full-color photographs enhance the understandable text. The main content supports knowledge building, a key component of the science of reading.

Amethyst is a kind of quartz, and it's beautiful purple color has made it a desirable gem for thousands of years. It's the presence of iron or manganese may contribute to its awesome color! Today, the purple stones are mined all over the world, and people wear it in all kinds of jewelry. In this book presented by Scientific American, readers learn the geologic process that creates an amethyst among other Earth science and geology information. Interesting fact boxes add even more detail to the main content. Beautiful full-color photographs enhance the understandable text.