Treasures Of The Earth

Would the world be a better place if human societies were somehow able to curb their desires for material goods? Saleem Ali's pioneering book links human wants and needs by providing a natural history of consumption and materialism with scientific detail and humanistic nuance. It argues that simply disavowing consumption of materials is not likely to help in planning for a resource-scarce future, given global inequality, development imperatives, and our goals for a democratic global society. Rather than suppress the creativity and desire to discover that is often embedded in the exploration and production of material goods--which he calls the treasure impulse--Ali proposes a new environmental paradigm, one that accepts our need to consume treasure for cultural and developmental reasons, but warns of our concomitant need to conserve. In evaluating the impact of treasure consumption on resource-rich countries, he argues that there is a way to consume responsibly and alleviate global poverty.

The various types of rocks found in our planet are presented in vibrant illustrations. Rich with information about minerals, gemstones, fossilization, the rock cycle, and more, this book will enthrall future geologists with Earth’s diverse wonders.

Explains what rocks, minerals, and gemstones are found on the earth and how they are used by people.

"...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.

Illustrated throughout with photographs of these wonderfully colourful minerals. Accompanied by a text from a well-known expert in the field, the book includes both a detailed introduction to the geology of agates and a comprehensive guide to the agates of the world.

About geological formations on Earth.