Get Ready to See a World of Treasure!
Gems & Minerals of the World!
Our Gems and Minerals Exhibit showcases the remarkable diversity of the Earth’s geological treasures — from brilliant international specimens to the distinctive native gemstones of North Carolina. Each piece tells a story of the planet’s dynamic processes, formed over millions of years through heat, pressure, and time.
Visitors can explore gems representing every birthstone, each with its own mineral composition, crystal structure, and formation environment. From the deep purple hues of amethyst, a variety of quartz colored by trace amounts of iron, to the delicate pink tones of rose quartz, the golden shimmer of citrine, and the radiant green of peridot, our collection illustrates the science behind the beauty.
Discover fascinating examples of minerals such as prehnite, epidote, vanadinite, lepidocrocite, smoky quartz, and striking geodes that reveal the hidden world within rocks. These specimens highlight the intricate crystal growth patterns and chemical variations that make each mineral unique.
Whether formed in volcanic environments, deep within the Earth’s crust, or through hydrothermal processes, every gem in our collection offers a window into Earth’s natural history — a testament to the complexity and wonder of the planet beneath our feet.