The rocks and minerals beneath our feet are often ignored overlooked or misunderstood. This dazzling collection of specially commissioned photographs opens our eyes to their amazing beauty variety and importanceStarting with the physical composition of the Earth the book explains how rocks and minerals are classified and how they are formed. Discover how landscapes evolve how cave systems develop how the sand and pebbles of the seashore originate and how and where precious minerals metals and gems are mined.Produced in association with the Natural History Museum London Rock & Mineral is a compelling introduction to the Earth's geology and how we use its natural resources for building industry energy sculpture coins and jewellery.