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 Year of Mineralogy
April 27, 2022 – April 24, 2023
The International Mineralogical Association has chosen 2022 as a worldwide celebration of the history, development and study of mineralogy. The goal of this yearlong event is to promote public interest in mineral studies by showing how this field has guided the growth of both technology and society. By understanding mineral characteristics, we are able to find solutions to many modern industrial problems and improve our overall well-being. Showcasing amazing minerals, this exhibit represents only some of their properties – there is so much more to discover.

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.
