Mineralogy

The New York State Museum’s Mineralogy Collection constitutes the world’s largest and most complete array of New York State minerals. Species from most classic, depleted, and new collection sites are represented. The mineral collection contains specimens used for public display, education, and research. 

Magnetite

This massive specimen displaying crystal faces on its top is from the Mineville group of mines in Essex County. Magnetite is an iron ore, and as its name suggests, it is magnetic.

NYSM 20130

Garnet

Garnet is the official gem of New York State. Displayed here is a single garnet crystal from the Gore Mountain deposit in Warren County. It is one of the largest specimens collected, though individual crystals up to one meter in diameter have been recovered there. 

H1483 

Fluorite

This group of green cubes of fluorite is from the Macomb fluorite mine, St. Lawrence County. The term fluorescence comes from the discovery that fluorite typically glows under short-wave and long-wave ultraviolet light. 

C14294

Guiding Questions:

  • What can minerals be used for?
  • How do minerals grow so large? 

To learn more about the minerals of New York State, visit:

Meet the NYS Museum’s curator of geology and get a behind the scenes look at the geology collection: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_DvGHgEsiY

Try this fun "rock candy" activity at home:
www.nysm.nysed.gov/education/home-work/minerals

 

 

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