MINERAL SCIENCES

Rocks and the minerals of which they are composed are the building blocks of the earth. Modern technology and our society as a whole depend upon rocks and minerals as raw materials. In fact, rocks and minerals have supported the development of societies and civilizations throughout human history. The scientific study of rocks and minerals is crucial to understanding the earth’s dynamic geologic processes, and illuminates new and better ways to both utilize and conserve our natural resources. Gemstones have been prized since antiquity for adornment and as symbols of status and wealth. Meteorites are some of the oldest pieces of our solar system and are keys to unraveling its origin.

The Department of Mineral Sciences curates a world-class collection that includes minerals, rocks, gems, ores and meteorites and conducts research focusing on furthering scientific understanding of these materials. The Department actively maintains the Museum's world renowned Hall of Gems and Minerals and provides public programming through the Museum's Gem & Mineral Council.

Gems and Minerals at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - A 95 Year History (5 MB PDF)