Hall of Minerals and Hall of Gems

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
These halls contain exquisite treasures, which can be systematically arranged according to their similarities and differences in the same manner as animals and plants. In the Hall of Minerals the visitor finds minerals composed of a single element, s... more

These halls contain exquisite treasures, which can be systematically arranged according to their similarities and differences in the same manner as animals and plants. In the Hall of Minerals the visitor finds minerals composed of a single element, such as gold and copper, and groups that combine several elements, such as the silicates quartz, amethyst, and mica. The Hall of Gems displays groups of stones that showcase an extraordinary range of size, color, and shape. Among these specimens is the 563-carat Star of India, the largest and most famous star sapphire in the world. Formed some two billion years ago, the Star of India was discovered several centuries ago and donated to the Museum by J. P. Morgan in 1900. Also featured in the Hall of Gems is the Patricia Emerald, a 632-carat specimen that is one of the very few large, gem-quality emeralds that have been preserved uncut. The specimen is exceedingly rare not only because of its size and color, but also because of its dihexagonal, or twelve-sided, shape.


Drag the street view to look around 360°.
Use the arrow buttons to navigate down the street and around the neighborhood!

American Museum of Natural History

Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 769-5100

Admission From

Free

Category

Arts

Other Arts Events

Crafting Modernity Design in Latin America, 1940–1980

“There is design in everything,” wrote Clara Porset, the innovative Cuban-Mexica... view

Harold Cohen: AARON

This exhibition traces the evolution of Harold Cohen’s AARON, the earliest artif... view

Liberty to the Imagination: Drawings from the Eveillard Gift

The Morgan celebrates the 100th year of its founding with a series of exhibition... view

Why Ruin Another Life: An Evening with Author Anthony Weathers

On April 30th join Author Anthony Weathers and Host/Audiobook Narrator Gordon Ja... view

 

Käthe Kollwitz

In the early decades of the 20th century, when many artists were experimenting w... view

One Round Home - A Concert for Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Week with music by the Grammy-nominated Western Wind Vocal Ensem... view

The Colombian Film Festival New York

Experience the Magic of Colombia—No Passport Required! 🌟🇨🇴Join us for an unfo... view

Yto Barrada: Part Time Abstractionist

A solo exhibition of work by internationally acclaimed multi-disciplinary artist... view