Minerals

Minerals

Step back in time to see the Museum as it was in 1881 with its original oak display cabinets in the Minerals gallery.

See sparkling gems alongside raw minerals, marvel at the variety of colours, textures and shapes, and learn how they're formed.

Star specimens and exhibits

  • polished slice of agate which reveals an internal pattern with a likeness of HM Queen Elizabeth II
  • examples of mineral use, from circuit boards to matches and toothpaste
  • ornamental mineral art
  • curiosities from the collection of Sir Hans Sloane
  • a 635-kilogramme iron meteorite that fell in Argentina in 1783
  • a 9,381 carat flawless blue topaz gemstone - the largest of its kind
  • and a wall display of many more meteorite specimens

Explore the galleries with the Museum map

Find out how to get around with the Museum map. There are four zones to discover.

Earthly and Ethereal: Minerals, Rocks and Gems

Explore highlights of the geological collections in an online exhibition.

A collaboration between the Museum and Google Arts & Culture.