From the Earth: How Resources Are Made

Oil, also known as petroleum, is one of the most significant sources of energy in an energy-hungry world. Every day, more than 80 million barrels of oil are used in people's homes, businesses, and vehicles. This thorough book covers the important processes of this fossil fuel, from its origins and formation to its extraction and refining, aided by perfectly selected photographs. Readers will weigh in on the controversies surrounding oil's use as well as learn of its surprising applications-such as a medicine for ancient Egyptians and in materials that make our clothes.

Coal is a natural resource millions of years in the making. Since over 40 percent of the world's electricity comes from burning coal, it remains an important, though sometimes controversial, energy source. The processes that transform organic remains into coal, coal mines, and the carbon cycle are important topics covered in this valuable volume. Readers will learn about the pollution attributed to the burning of coal as well as about coal alternatives. Graphic organizers, instructive photographs, and thoughtful sidebars help present a well-balanced look at this relevant and timely subject.

Without iron ore, we wouldn't have steel, and without steel, we wouldn't have the magnificent skyscrapers, bridges, and many other structures that demand building materials of considerable strength. In fact, about 98 percent of all mined iron ore is used in the production of steel. Future architects and engineers will discover how the mineral substance iron ore forms, where it's found, and how it's transformed through smelting into a useful industrial metal. Charts, diagrams, and photographs present more beneficial information, while sidebars help readers understand why iron ore is significant to their lives.

What makes a metal precious? It's rare, and it's useful. When a metal is both these things, like gold, it's very precious-and expensive. This book takes readers underground where they'll discover the processes and elements that shape precious metals. They'll learn about the features of metals that make them desirable, such as luster, ductility, and reactivity, and how certain metals are utilized. While readers may know something about gold and silver, they'll become acquainted with other important precious metals such as rhodium and palladium. Vivid photographs, helpful graphic organizers, and interesting sidebars make this crucial science topic engaging and accessible.

Natural gas may heat our homes and help us cook, but rarely do people consider where it comes from-or even what it's made of. Incredibly, this gaseous mix of mostly methane and ethane didn't become a major source of the world's energy until the 1960s. It was thought to be an inconsequential by-product of oil production. There's much to learn about natural gas in this beneficial book, which focuses on how the gas is formed as well as examines how it's mined and used today. The text highlights the most relevant and engrossing information, while graphic organizers help readers identify the most important concepts.

They're sparkly with varied hues. You might see them in a beautiful necklace, a breathtaking ring, or even in a computer. They're gems! Gems are some of Earth's most precious resources, and some of them are millions of years in the making. This detailed text, accompanied by colorful photographs, informs readers about the remarkable processes that take place under the surface of Earth to form different kinds of gems. They'll also learn how some gems are mined, while others are replicated in laboratories. Future lapidaries will also find out how they might find and polish gems for themselves.