Geology, Gems and Minerals

At a Glance

The Hall of Geology, Gems, & Minerals presents specimens from the Museum's collection of gems, minerals, rocks and meteorites. Students can also explore similarities and differences between Earth and its neighbors in space, touch a rock from Mars and see extraterrestrial diamond dust. Additional highlights include the Hope Diamond, the National Gem Collection, the Mine and Rocks Galleries, the Plate Tectonics Gallery and the Moon, Meteorites and the Solar System Gallery.

Expand Your Experience

Web-based Student Activities

Geologic Time

Travel through 4.6 billion years of life's history on Earth and get a sense of the interplay between Earth and life processes.

For the Classroom

This Dynamic Earth

An extensive resource for both teachers and students, The Dynamic Earth provides a wealth of information about the Earth. The interactive webpages are divided into four sections based on the research conducted at the Museum: Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes, Gems and Minerals, the Solar System, and Rocks and Mining.

Global Volcanism Program

The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program (GVP) is devoted to a better understanding of Earth's active volcanoes and their eruptions during the last 10,000 years. Their website includes a dynamic map of the Earth, maps and photos of volcanoes, and current updates on volcanic activity around the world.

The Splendor of Diamonds

The Splendor of Diamonds is an online exhibition that displays seven extraordinary diamonds.

This Dynamic Planet

An interactive world map of volcanoes, earthquakes, impact craters, and plate tectonics.

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, & Minerals

At a Glance

Expand Your Experience

Web-based Student Activities

For the Classroom