Minerals are a crucial part of our world. Not only are many necessary to keep our bodies in good working order, minerals can be used to make things that people use on a daily basis, including toothpaste, linoleum, and cell phones. By looking at these important materials under a microscope, we can gain better insight into the world around us. Informative sidebars and engaging fact boxes provide an in-depth look at the world of minerals, giving young readers a greater understanding of the planet we live on and the products we use.