See the Sparkle
Lyda Hill
Gems and Minerals Hall
Gaze at Natural Beauty
Your eyes will be amazed by Earth’s original rock stars as they glisten, glimmer and glow. Explore both the practical and beautiful aspects of these complex structures that serve as the building blocks of our planet. High-definition videos, digital puzzles and touchable specimens will help you discover the astounding variety of colors, shapes and configurations of minerals found across the globe.
Now on view!
Minerals of the World Cup
In the spirit of unity fostered by the World Cup, we present a selection of the mineral beauty curated from the host countries and other nations competing in 2026, including transparent crystals from Canada, copper-based minerals from Mexico, and gold from the United States.
Visit Soccer: More Than a Game for a look at the science behind the sport!
Presented by Texas Counter Fitters.
Thank you to our generous lenders: Kevin Brown, Keith and Diane Brownlee, Tahir Bukhari, Rick and Sharrie Ely, Chris Emproto, Steve Goldfine and Debra Deitsch-Perez, Mineralogical and Geological Museum of Harvard, Lyda Hill, Jeff Kremer, Rob Lavinsky, Mark Pospisil, Jim and Gail Spann, and Karl and Carol Warning; and for the donation from Anne Pluymakers at Delft Institute of Technology.
New Aquamarine Minerals
Check out our stunning new minerals displays: Nature’s Hexagon (pictured above), and King of the Himalayas located in the Museum Lobby.
Presented by Texas Counter Fitters
The Grape Jelly Amethyst Geode
See the very first exhibit installed at the Museum – the gallery was quite literally built around it! – when you crack open this giant geode. Discover the extraordinary beauty of the mesmerizing purple crystals with specs of white calcite that are be hidden inside an ordinary looking rock.
The Eyes of Africa
Follow the incredible journey of this two-foot-tall quartz (white) and fluorite (green) specimen – from its discovery in Namibia to riding in the trunk of a car to being shipped to the U.S wrapped in 400 diapers. Let The Eyes of Africa captivate your imagination with its extraordinary adventure.
The Lavinsky Ammonite
Marvel at the iridescent colors and 2 feet in diameter of this eye-catching ammonite. A type of shelled cephalopod that went extinct about 66 million years ago, ammonites are discovered all over the world, and this exquisite specimen is right here in the Museum thanks to the generous donation of the Lavinsky family.
Gems and Minerals Hall Scavenger Hunt
- We have specimens from six of the seven continents — can you find a gem from each?
- Look for The Eyes of Africa and ask one of our helpful Museum volunteers about its unique history!
- Find a specimen of every color of the rainbow.
What to Do Next
Get energized and learn all about how we harness natural resources to power our world. Head to the Tom Hunt Energy Hall and dive into the possibilities of energy.
