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The DC Traveler

Nature’s Rainbow - Minerals

by Jon on January 19th, 2008

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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POSTED IN: Art, Family Fun, Great Activities for a Date, Great Places to Unwind, Museums

2 opinions for Nature’s Rainbow - Minerals

  • fugu
    Feb 4, 2008 at 9:34 am

    Surely “Nature’s Rainbow” is the Rainbow.

  • Jon
    Feb 4, 2008 at 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.

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