The rocks that cover Earth's surface wouldn't exist without crystals. Written to support elementary science curricula, this text encourages readers to get up close and personal with the crystals contained in Earth's rocks. Along the way, they'll learn important Earth science skills, such as how crystals form, how to identify crystals based on their physical properties, and where in the world they're found. The text also teaches readers how we use crystals in everyday life, and what kinds of hobbies and careers involve working with crystals. This information-rich text features engaging images, fact boxes, and sidebars, which offer opportunities for additional learning.