Our museums remain closed due to COVID-19. While LA County Public Health has entered Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery, allowing for the reopening of museums on June 12, our museums are still slowly welcoming back staff and are in the process of planning for new health and safety protocols in our galleries and gardens. Therefore, we will not be reopening until later in the summer. Sign up here to be the first to know when we will safely re-open to the public and in the meantime, stay connected from home.

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Gems & Minerals

Exhibitions

Gem and Mineral Hall

Over 2,000 minerals, rocks, meteorites, and gems from across the globe.

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Stories

There's Climate History at the Bottom of the Ocean

Looking at ocean sediments reveals how Earth has changed over time.

Gems of the Americas

Travel back in time with one of NHM's most beloved gems, this video from our vaults.

Hot Rocks and Natural Beauties

Dr. Anthony Kampf, the museum’s Curator Emeritus of Mineral Sciences, says his work can sometimes seem like an episode of the TV show CSI.

Minerals on Mars

Scientists have long wondered if Mars could support life. But what exactly should we look for?

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Mineral Sciences

The Mineral Sciences collections include minerals, rocks, meteorites, gems, and related synthetic materials. The mineral collection is world-wide in scope and boasts particular strengths in minerals from California, native gold, and gem crystals. The collections are being actively augmented principally through donations.