"Find our about the rocks beneath your feet and te minerals they contain. Discover how they are used--from the graphite in pencils, to precious metals and gems. Learn the secrets of ancient fossils and how new rocks are made."--Back cover "Unearth a treasure trove of geological knowledge with this in-depth guide to over 500 rocks and minerals"--

Be a rock detective! Look up close at rocks, minerals and sparkling gems to unravel the clues to classify and identify them. Find out how rocks were formed, where in the world they are found, and what makes them special. Presents general information about rocks, minerals, and gems, covering how they form, some different types, extraterrestrial rocks, and the unusual characteristics of some rocks. --

Explores such aspects of rocks as their location, how they are formed, what they are made of, their appearance, how they can be dated, and their changing nature.

Describes what minerals are, where they are found, how they are mined, and how they are used.

Brendan Buckley, a biracial ten-year-old, applies his scientific problem-solving ability and newfound interest in rocks and minerals to connect with his white grandfather, the president of Puyallup Rock Club, and to learn why he and Brendan's mother are estranged.

"Engaging images accompany information about gemstones. The combination of high-interest subject matter and narrative text is intended for students in grades 3 through 8"--

The InvestiGators are having a hard time keeping a low profile with their new headquarters being a giant robot towering over the city! How can they be SECRET agents if everyone recognizes them? But with their ears to the ground, Mango and Brash hear mysterious rumblings about BOULDER BUDDIES...are they just the latest fad or part of a mob-run scheme? And could a rocky relationship from the InvestiGators' past be trembling beneath the surface? Find...

"Roommates Skunk and Badger head out on a rock-finding expedition that becomes much more dangerous than they ever expected"--