This book introduces readers to what minerals are, how they form, and how we use them today. Learn how to identify minerals, including color, luster, streak, fracture, hardness, specific gravity, magnetism, and fluorescence. A geology-themed project provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Other features include a table of contents, fun facts, infographics, sidebars, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.