Earth's Treasury
Marvel at the sheer variety, beauty and colour of the minerals, gems and rocks on display. The gallery features a glittering and colourful display of a multitude of stones, both familiar and unusual.
This glittering gallery displays fine specimens of the thousands of gemstones, rocks and minerals on which we depend. A rare glimpse of some truly precious treasures.
This polished, kidney-shaped mass is hematite. It’s one of our most important minerals because it is a key natural source of iron.
Gold is among the most treasured of Earth’s metals and has long been used as a means of exchange as well as a symbol of power and wealth. The gallery features examples of the forms in which gold can be found.
Children can get more out of their visit to the Earth's Treasury gallery with our Explore and Discover guides, which provide a fun and focused way to explore the Museum.
Pick up a self-led guide for £1 from the Central Hall information desk.
Marvel at minerals that glow in the dark as you explore our display of fluorescent minerals.
Platinum nuggets are very valuable – and much more expensive than gold – because they are so rare. As well as being used for jewellery, platinum can be used in catalytic converters to remove harmful gases from exhaust fumes in cars.
