A balanced, broad-based, up-to-date presentation of the occurrence, availability, and usage of Earth's mineral resources. Completely updated and expanded, this edition includes greater emphasis on the environment. *Does not require extensive scientific background. *Coverage of all important types of resources (energy, metallic, nonmetallic, water, soil). *Discusses the environmental impact of resource exploitation and usage. *Provides historical perspectives in an overview chapter as well as in the discussions of all resources - so students can understand not only what is used, but how usage has changed over time. *New - "Focal points" - chapter objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter to help guide students as they read. *New - special interest boxes added on acid rain, the dust bowl, synthetic diamonds, etc.