At a time when we are concerned about the potential hazards of engineered nanomaterials, this book gives a timely and delightful overview of the variety of nanoparticles that exist in our environment — from noble metal nanoparticles in ore systems and nanodust in the solar system to magnetic nanoparticles in homing pigeons and photonic crystals in beetles. It is an enjoyable and a useful companion for anyone interested in knowing about the potential hazards of nanomaterials and those seeking inspiration from nature to create functional materials.

Dr Ai Lin Chu - Senior Editor, Nature Nanotechnology

While man strives to synthesize and utilize functional nanomaterials, Nature’s own laboratory has perfected the production of a range of highly selective nanomaterials.  Natural nanomaterials (and even natural nanotechnologies) are all around us, which inevitably leads to these questions: What are these natural nanomaterials made of?  Where can we find them? What can they do? Answering these questions will lead to a better understanding of the world around us and facilitate new and environmentally friendly ways of creating and manipulating nanoscale materials for the next generation of new technologies.

This book contains details and descriptions of wide variety of naturally occurring nanomaterials, forming within the Earth, within living organisms, or in the far reaches of space.  The collection is the first to bring together studies from astronomy, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, geology and geophysics, environmental science, agricultural science, entomology, molecular biology, and health; and provides an invaluable resource for learning how the world’s leading scientists in these different fields approach this dynamic, multi-disciplinary area of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Lecturers and graduate students of astronomy, physics, chemistry, molecular biology, materials science and engineering, and environmental and agricultural science; researchers in nanoscience; engineers in nanotechnology research laboratories; government regulators; professional researchers in mining and environmental monitoring.