What an exciting lab experiment to conduct with your high school chemistry class! Crystals are formed naturally in the environment. However, allow your blossoming chemists to create their own unique crystals using alum and...

Your body has lots of crystals, just not any gemstones. The first installment of a three-part unit provides a PowerPoint presentation on crystallization occurring in the human body and about crystallization in general. The resource gives...

Students discover the characteristics of polyhedra. Through hands-on activities and interactive videos, students investigate and retrieve information on polyhedra and crystal structures. Students study angles and symmetry. They...

In this gemstones instructional activity, students answer sixteen questions from the video about gemstones. Questions include the types of gemstones, the colors of gemstones and the meaning of gemstones and birthstones.

Middle schoolers research and create a poster about a gemstone. In this mineral properties instructional activity, students view a video about diamonds. They discuss the properties of minerals and choose a gemstone to research and create...

High schoolers are introduced to polyhedrons through using straw models to explore geometric solids and constructing Christmas tree ornaments using Epsom salt crystals. Students will view interactive videos and investigate and retrieve...

In this science worksheet, 4th graders respond to questions pertaining to gems and fossils. Students answer ten questions which give clues and visual aids to assist in answering.

Students receive a bag of common gemstones. Without knowing gem names or value, students trade with each other as they desire. They choose one gem from their bags to keep. They discuss the name, value and characteristics of each gem.

In this earth science worksheet, students find the vocabulary words related to minerals by unscrambling the letters. They also complete other word puzzles.

Students study the physical properties of minerals and illustrate their functions.  For this mineral lesson students construct models of some minerals.

Through this series of three lessons, students will gain an understanding of the basics of mineral science. In their investigation they will also work through the scientific process as they practice their observation skills, form...

This encyclopedia article from Wikipedia provides a general overview of the gemstone topaz. Liinks are provided for additional information on related subjects.

This colorful site contains pictures of amethyst crystals that are displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

This article discusses different varieties of quartz that are used as gemstones. A general description of each is given, including its historical background and physical makeup. This page is part of an excellent, detailed website about...

This site is filled with information on the mineral quartz. General information, images, physical properties, and resources are also included.

This site gives information of the physical and chemical characteristics of all the different kinds of minerals in the garnet group.

A detailed description of amethyst, including its physical properties and the more noteworthy locations it is mined.

Frequently asked rock and mineral questions are answered and illustrated.