Gem News International Gems & Gemology, Fall 2022, Vol. 58, No. 3

The Year of Mineralogy at the Perot Museum

Erica Zaidman

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This exhibit features 10 cases demonstrating the importance of the mineral world.
 
Figure 1. The Year of Mineralogy at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas features 10 cases filled with fascinating samples demonstrating the importance of the mineral world around us. Photo courtesy of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

2022 is the International Mineralogical Association’s designated year for celebrating the history, development, and role of mineralogy, with a goal of promoting public interest in mineral studies. The association aims to emphasize mineralogy’s critical role in technology and society and to highlight the future of mineralogy through the exploration of new and environmentally conscious methods for extracting the minerals used today. To help carry out this mission, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas has created the Year of Mineralogy exhibit (figure 1) in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall (https://www.perotmuseum.org/exhibits/halls/lyda-hill-gems-and-minerals-hall/).

Lapis lazuli from the Sar-e-Sang mine in Afghanistan.
 
Figure 2. This striking example of lapis lazuli, a rock composed of minerals including lazurite, pyrite, and calcite, is on display in the exhibit. From the Sar-e-Sang mine in the Kokcha River area of Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science; specimen courtesy of Keith and Diane Brownlee.

With more than 5,700 minerals identified to date, and more added each year, there is no shortage of specimens to display. Each of the exhibit’s 10 cases educates visitors with spectacular examples to illustrate various mineral properties. The first case defines what a mineral is, showing specimens such as lapis lazuli and lazurite (figure 2). Chemical composition and crystal structure are explained in the second case, while the remainder are dedicated to the various properties of minerals, including hardness, tenacity, streak, luster (figure 3), and color.

Sphalerite specimen from Spain highlights the mineral property of luster.
 
Figure 3. The resinous appearance of this sphalerite specimen highlights the mineral property of luster. From the Picos de Europa Mountains, Asturias, Spain. Photo courtesy of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science; specimen courtesy of Gail and Jim Spann.

“By understanding mineral characteristics, like hardness, magnetism, and specific gravity, we are able to find solutions to many modern industrial problems and improve our overall well-being,” said Kimberly Vagner, director of gems and minerals at the Perot Museum.

On display until April 24, 2023, the exhibit is an opportunity for all ages to acquire a deeper understanding of the mineral world around us. Can’t make it to Dallas before April 24? Follow the museum’s Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall on Instagram for posts highlighting some of the magnificent minerals on display.

Erica Zaidman is the editorial coordinator for Gems & Gemology at GIA in Carlsbad, California.