group visits gem and mineral hall tour

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Gems & Minerals

Exhibitions

Scanning Electron Microscope Lab

See how big discoveries can come from the tiniest things in the Gem and Mineral Hall.

Exhibition | NHM
Gem and Mineral Hall

More than 2,000 minerals, rocks, meteorites, and gems from across the globe.

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Members Q&A with Dr. Aaron Celestian

Join Dr. Aaron Celestian, Associate Curator of Mineral Sciences, for an exploration of incredible research suggesting that life can persist even in the coldest environments, such as the icy moons around the Jovian planets, and how minerals are critical for life.

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Video: Happy Hour with Dr. Aaron Celestian

Join Dr. Aaron Celestian for an exploration of his research suggesting that life can persist in the coldest environments and minerals are critical for life.

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Members Q&A with Dr. Aaron Celestian

Discover life in crystals with Dr. Aaron Celestian, Associate Curator of Mineral Sciences.

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Mineral Sciences

The Mineral Sciences collections include minerals, rocks, meteorites, gems, and related synthetic materials. The mineral collection is world-wide in scope and boasts particular strengths in minerals from California, native gold, and gem crystals. The collections are being actively augmented principally through donations.

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Hidden Gems

Throughout the halls of the Natural History Museum there are hidden marvels that are actually right before your eyes.

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News & Press

NHM Scientists Discover First-Ever Mineral-Based Treatment for Widespread Disease Using the Structure of Crystals

Based on the structure of cubic zirconium silicate, the innovative treatment opens doors to future mineral-based treatments made possible by cutting-edge museum science

Natural History Museum Presents 100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World, an Exhibition of Some of the Highest Quality Rare Gems on Earth, Each Over 100 Carats

Exhibition features 30+ gemstones, including the world-famous Jonker I Diamond,
which has not been on public view in decades

Global Natural History Initiative Builds Groundbreaking Database to Address 21st Century Challenges

Effort Connects More Than a Billion Objects in Scientific Collections Across 73 Museums in 28 Countries

Findings Shared in New Paper Published in Science Magazine on March 23, 2023
 

NHM Mineralogy Curator Describes "Mineral of the Year'

December 1, 2015—An orange-brown mineral named ophirite, described by a team lead by Dr. Anthony R. Kampf, Curator Emeritus of Mineralogy at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM), has beendesignated the “Mineral of the Year” by the International Mineral Association.