The colourful rocks you explore with this kit will open up the world of earth science and geology! Kick-start your very own rock collection with the 36 stones. Then use the included crystal powder and mold to grow a geode formation. Collect rocks and conduct experiments, such as a scratch test and float test, to discover their hidden properties. You'll even learn how to make your very own rock tumbler. Use the fact-filled book to keep exploring the world around you! Comes with: 36 rocks, display tray, crystal powder, geode mold, plaster, magnifying glass

Today we associate the Renaissance with painting, sculpture, and architecture—the “major” arts. Yet contemporaries often held the “minor” arts—gem-studded goldwork, richly embellished armor, splendid tapestries and embroideries, music, and ephemeral multi-media spectacles—in much higher esteem. Isabella d’Este, Marchesa of Mantua, was typical of the Italian nobility: she bequeathed to her children precious stone vases mounted in gold, engraved gems, ivories, and antique bronzes and marbles; her favorite ladies-in-waiting, by contrast, received mere paintings. Renaissance patrons and observers extolled finely wrought luxury artifacts for their exquisite craftsmanship and the symbolic capital of their components; paintings and sculptures in modest materials, although discussed by some literati, were of lesser consequence. This book endeavors to return to the mainstream material long marginalized as a result of historical and ideological biases of the intervening centuries. The author analyzes how luxury arts went from being lofty markers of ascendancy and discernment in the Renaissance to being dismissed as “decorative” or “minor” arts—extravagant trinkets of the rich unworthy of the status of Art. Then, by re-examining the objects themselves and their uses in their day, she shows how sumptuous creations constructed the world and taste of Renaissance women and men.

This informative and fully illustrated volume explores the untold story of agate gemstones hidden in Kentucky’s scenic Knobs Region. With their fine grain and rich assortment of colors, agate stones are coveted by collectors and becoming rarer across the globe. Some of the most beautiful specimens in the world have been found in the rugged terrain of eastern Kentucky. In Kentucky Agate, authors Roland L. McIntosh and Warren H. Anderson reveal the beauty and diversity of this sought-after stone with hundreds of color photographs. Kentucky Agate also reveals locations where agate may be found, offering maps of the region surrounding the city of Irvine, Kentucky, including parts of Estill, Powell, Jackson, Menifee, Madison, and Lee counties. With detailed photographs revealing aspects of the rock not visible to the naked eye, this book also provides fascinating information on the history, geology, chemistry, and formation of the mineral.

Junior gemologists will "dig" learning about rocks and minerals with this beginner's collection. The kit includes 8 polished rock samples, such as turquoise, amethyst, rose quartz, lemon jade, and more PLUS a surprise rock that they will unearth in the dig kit. The field guide introduces easy-to-follow STEM content, including fun facts and jokes. Then go exploring to find rocks from home that you can decorate with the included paint and googly eyes. Comes with: 8 polished rocks and gems, magnifying glass, gem dig kit, wooden chisel, wooden hammer, paintbrush, paint in 4 colors, 6 googly eyes.