Carnegie Museum of Natural History has far more mineral and
gem specimens that we could ever display, but than doesn’t mean they stay hidden.
Collections managers routinely swap out specimens in Hillman
Hall of Minerals and Gems. This week, we’re excited to share some behind the
scenes footage of two new specimens being put on display!
To display a new specimen, a collection managers removes the glass
from the cases and carefully swaps out the specimens, making sure to artfully position
the minerals for visitors to enjoy.
The first newly-displayed specimen features three different
mineral species. The base mineral is fluorapophyllite, with traces of vanadium
that give it a stunning green color. The white offshoots are scolecite, and the
peach colored mineral is stilbite.
Marc Wilson, head of the minerals section, said the specimen was
found in India,
when villagers in Jalgaon district of
Maharashtra State dug a well. Though
many specimens were collected from the site, Wilson said the specimen now at
Carnegie Museum of Natural History was the best.
The second specimen
is pyrite, sometimes called “fool’s gold.” The cubical shape of the pyrite
occurs naturally, but the rock surrounding the mineral is mechanically removed.
This pyrite is from Navajun Spain, which is known for its
pyrite.
Both specimens are on display now in Hillman Hall
Photos by Debra Wilson
