How did they do it?

How did a single firefly win a fight against onw hundred apes? How did the priest catch a thief with a rooster? How did a student outwit the king? How did a frog escape fron the picher of cream? These and eleven more tantalizing, brain-teasing mysteries are waiting in the pages of this book.

Dig down into the history of rocks, minerals, and other treasures, and uncover the stories behind these marvelous materials.

What treasures could be lying under your feet?

From dazzling gems to beautiful buildings, this book is filled with rocks and minerals, each one with a tale to tell.

What gem was more precious than gold to Chinese emperors? Who suffered the curse of the Hope Diamond? And why did Burmese soldiers insert rubles under their skin before battle?. With colourful photography of rocks and artefacts, and gorgeous illustrations to bring the stories to life, this book will delight young readers.

Treasures of the Earth is a tale of our fascination with precious things-how they were made, how we have used them, and how their legends grow with each year that passes. Packed with stunning visuals, gems of geological information, and stories from cultures all around the world, this book is a must-have for budding rockhounds and curious collectors alike.

UNIQUE TAKE: Focuses on the cultural stories of gems, rocks and minerals - how people around the world have been fascinated by them cinated by them for millennia
PERENNIAL FAVOURITE: Rocks and minerals are a firm favourite with young readers. DK's My Book of Rocks and Minerals has sold more than 24,000 coples (Nielsen Bookscan, June 2024)
LAVISH DESIGN: Reflects the beauty of a dazzling array of gems, rocks, and crystals, from their natural state to polished perfection
LOTS OF HARD FACTS: Plenty of geology on every page to explain how the shapes, patterns and colours of rocks and minerals are formed

Fully updated to meet the needs of the GCSE 2010 specifications. Exclusive awarding-body specific support to help students realise their full potential. The most accessible texts with supportive notes, activities and advice to engage students. Remains the best value for money available.