Comprising two main sections, rocks and fossils, this book provides a starting point for those new to the subject, examining the forces shaping the Earth, the physical properties of rocks and minerals and the secrets of fossils. The first section illustrates and describes a wide range of rocks, minerals, precious and semi-precious stones and organic gemstones, together with information on many features of our global landscape, including deserts, caves, gorges, canyons, volcanoes, geysers and meteorite craters. The second section deals with the study and collection of fossils. Each entry is accompanied by detailed illustrations and field notes.