Little Box of Crystals and Gems

Here's an unusually handsome activity box that introduces boys and girls to the engrossing world of crystals and gemstones. Open the lid to reveal a six-compartment display case, each compartment holding an assortment of polished gemstones. Kids will learn how to sort and identify each of the stones in their collection. Beneath the display case, they'll find the Little Book of Crystals and Gemstones, tweezers for examining stones, and a miniature geode--a stone with tiny crystals that are naturally embedded on its surface. The book instructs budding gemologists on--

How to identify crystals and gemstones

How stones are cut and polished

Properties of precious gems--diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire

Jewelry stones--jade, pearl, turquoise, lapis lazuli

Building a crystal collection . . . and much more

A bonus item in The Little Box of Crystals and Gems is a kit containing ingredients that boys and girls can used to make their own diamond-like crystals.