Minerals / Burrud, John

Examines the structure and history of Earth from the perspective of visitors from a distant galaxy, focusing on the properties, locations, and uses of the minerals that form the building blocks of Earth's solid structures; features a visit to an old silver mine; and includes a demonstration of the crystalline structure of minerals.

Describes the properties of minerals, such as hardness, luster, and color; presents a hands-on demonstration of minerals' crystalline structure; visits an old silver mine, showing how silver ore was mined a century ago; and explains how minerals are used in jewelry, medicine, and other areas.