By studying rocks, we can reconstruct the history of the earth. Even the most insignificant rocks can tell stories about other times because rocks have been around since the beginning of the universe. They provide clues about previous geological events and about what the earth's surface was like in the past. In addition, nearly all the modern products that surround us have elements provided by rocks and minerals, including aluminum cans, copper cables, and titanium spaceships. In this lavishly illustrated volume loaded with timelines, infographics, and diagrams, readers will find invaluable information about the language of rocks and will learn to identify the most important minerals, know their physical and chemical properties, and discover the environments in which they form.