Crystals are all around us - even inside our bodies - and they have fascinated people for thousands of years. This collection of specially commissioned photographs opens our eyes to their beauty and variety from brilliant diamonds to rare crystals of gold and silver.Starting with a definition of what crystals are and why and where they form this book examines their complex inner structures and fantastic geometrical shapes what gives them their amazing colours and other features such as hardness that are used in identification. Discover how crystals grow how they have been used as symbols of wealth and prestige and how some play an important role in technology.Produced in association with the Natural History Museum London Crystal & Gem is a superb introduction to the remarkable and surprising world of crystals.