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.
The Shape of Matter: Through An Artist's Eye
Jewelry by Paula Crevoshay
October 21, 2021 - April 20, 2022
The works of internationally renowned jewelry designer Paula Crevoshay have captivated hearts for decades, from jewelry connoisseurs to celebrities and amateur gem buffs. On display are approximately 70 of her nature-inspired pieces, including a world museum debut, Sea Star. Paired with loose gems and minerals, all are displayed within their respective crystal systems. The exhibition illuminates the link between minerals, gems and jewelry while providing a path to learn more about intricate crystal structures. Come explore the art of the jewel and the science of crystal formation!
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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
Photo courtesy Robert Mosley/Arkenstone
Ausrox Gold
Plus, don't miss Ausrox Gold! In 2010, three miners armed with a metal detector and a small tractor discovered Ausrox out in the Eastern Goldfields of Australia. It weighs approximately 748 troy ounces – or 51.3 pounds – of gold!
Courtesy of the Pinnacle Collection
Photo courtesy Thomas Dubrock/HMNS
A 5-foot-tall geode filled with shimmering purple crystals
Crack open a giant geode and discover the extraordinary beauty that can be hidden inside an ordinary looking rock! Look closely — amongst all of the mesmerizing purple are specs of white calcite.
Did you know? The grape jelly amethyst geode was the very first exhibit installed at the Museum — the gallery was quite literally built around it
The Eyes of Africa and its backstory that includes diapers and a white Mercedes
Unearthed 10 years ago by a miner in Namibia, the enormous and intensely beautiful specimen had an interesting beginning. When the miner realized his discovery was incredibly rare, rather than sell it right away, he toted it around in the trunk of his car. As word spread, two collectors spent days searching for this infamous mineral-toting Mercedes. Once they tracked down the miner, the car, and the mineral, they made a deal to acquire the piece, shipping it back to the U.S. protected by 400 diapers!
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.
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