About the book: 1982 / Ornamental stone has long attracted human attention. And now it is widely used both for decorations and for products for various household purposes. The purpose of the book is to introduce the reader to the most important ornamental stones. In the story about each mineral, the author describes in detail the history of its use, nature and properties, conditions of formation and location. The stories are written in simple language, without formulas or complex conclusions; at the same time, all information is given at the modern scientific level, in the light of the latest data on the structure of the Earth.