Nature’s Underground Rainbow – Minerals at the National Museum of Natural History

One of the biggest draws to the National Museum of Natural History is the Hope Diamond, along with the other colorful and stunning pieces of spectacular jewelry, displayed in all their opulent glory in the Harry Winston jewelry gallery (2nd floor).  But just next door is the minerals section, which is about eight times larger and I find, even more fascinating and colorful.

National Museum of Natural History - Hall of Minerals - Purple Quartz

The Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals is split into a few sections, first the jewelry section, and next is my favorite, the minerals display and lastly is the mining exhibit.

The minerals exhibit lets you experience hundreds of pieces that seem to be from a world of strange, colorful and beautiful natural art.

National Museum of Natural History - Hall of Minerals - Quartz National Museum of Natural History - Hall of Minerals - Scolecite

National Museum of Natural History
10th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20560 (map it)

National Museum of Natural History - Hall of Minerals - Calcite exhibit 

Hours – Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Smithsonian Station (use the Mall exit) – Blue and Orange lines or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Metered parking is available in the area.

Images – Personal Collection

 

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5 Responses to “Nature’s Underground Rainbow – Minerals at the National Museum of Natural History”

  1.   fugu
    February 4th, 2008 | 9:34 am

    Surely “Nature’s Rainbow” is the Rainbow.

  2.   Jon
    February 4th, 2008 | 8:20 pm

    Perhaps I should have entitled the piece, Nature’s Underground Rainbow. Regardles, sometimes the colors of nature are more beautiful than a rainbow. I guess it’s all in the eyes of the beholder.

  3.   mohammed
    September 7th, 2008 | 9:44 am

    i have some minerals how i can sell it ?

  4.   Jon
    September 7th, 2008 | 4:16 pm

    You might try a local gem shop or Ebay.

  5.   kalin
    September 10th, 2009 | 12:12 pm

    wow thats cool


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