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“The finest examples of rock and mineral occurrences”
The MBMG Mineral Museum has something that is sure to amaze and inspire almost everyone. The finest examples of rock and mineral occurrences from Montana, the world, and even outer space are on display for the general public to examine and enjoy at no cost. The museum originated as a teaching collection of ~200 specimens acquired in 1901, shortly after the Montana School of Mines enrolled its first students. Thanks to donations and public support, the museum now holds ~13,000 specimens, ~1000 that we display, a gift shop, and several exhibits that describe Montana's geology, earthquake activity, and local mining history. Prized specimens from Montana include an outstanding smoky quartz cluster, named Rheanna's Star after the daughter of the man who meticulously dug it out of the ground just east of Butte, and an impressive 27.5 troy ounce gold nugget recovered from placer workings in the mountains south of Butte. Pristine polished agate and brilliant blue sapphires from Yogo Gulch (both State gemstones of Montana) and nice examples of the copper, zinc, and manganese ore minerals that transformed Butte into the Richest Hill on Earth are also on display. Azurite and malachite from Bisbee, Arizona, outstanding native copper from Michigan, and remarkable amethyst geodes from Brazil, are only a few examples of specimens collected worldwide that are on display. We also exhibit ten meteorites that "fell" into our collection over the years, including a large Ni-Fe meteorite found recently in Beaverhead County. Come visit our Mineral Museum and learn about Montana's fascinating geology!
I took my two daughters, 2 & 4, to the museum mid-afternoon on a Wednesday and we spent a hour roaming it. There were only two other visitors the whole time we were there. The museum is on the... Read more
This was my first time that I've ever been into a museum dedicated to minerals. I was really impressed by the gigantic variety of minerals from around the world. In my opinion, it's way better... Read more
This was our first time visiting the Mineral Museum and we had a lot of fun. There are many specimens on display from Montana and other places, each well lit and with a detailed placard of... Read more
Mineral Museum
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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