The one with all 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.
Nature's Art - The Mineral Beauty of China
From Dec 11, 2019 to Sep 6, 2021, visit our temporary exhibit and treat your eyes to a collection of colorful minerals from China that will add sparkle to your day. Marvel at these breathtaking specimens including a crystal throne of stibnite, feet-shaped azurite and malachite, a mountainous fluorite covered in snow-like calcite and much more.
Dragon's Lair Gold
Take a rare glimpse at approximately 921 troy ounces – or 63 pounds – of gold! It is one of the largest and most remarkable finds to come out of Western Australia.
The gold was initially encased by a large boulder of quartz, but through the painstaking work of expert technicians, the Dragon’s Lair emerged. Taking place over hundreds of hours, the process involved several cycles of incising, acid etching, and iron removal.
Come see it for yourself!
Courtesy of the Pinnacle Collection
Gems and Minerals Hall Scavenger Hunt
- We have specimens from six of the seven continents — can you find a gem from each?
- Find our newest gem, The Eyes of Africa, and ask one of our helpful Museum volunteers about its unique history!
- Our specimens are constantly changing, so there's always something new to see! Can you find a specimen of every color of the rainbow?
What to do next
Since you appreciate the beauty of a polished gem, step out into the Dynamic Earth Hall and discover our world in a different natural form. Learn all about Earth's history as you visualize how the continents have shifted over millions of years, understand geological dating techniques used by scientists, and see water and air in new ways.
