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
- a 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.
Discover: rocks and minerals
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Science newsMaterial necessary for life on Earth may have been delivered by asteroids like Bennu
Samples from the asteroid Bennu contain some of the ingredients needed for life to develop.
29 January 2025 -
Science newsMysterious Martian mounds formed by ancient water
Over 15,000 mounds are scattered across Mars’ lowlands – but until recently, no one knew how they got there.
20 January 2025 -
NewsDinosaur-killing Chicxulub asteroid came from the edge of the solar system
The prime suspect in the extinction of the dinosaurs was no ordinary asteroid.
15 August 2024 -
Science newsMicrobial structures in Antarctic lake could reveal more about how life evolved
Scientists are studying microbial structures in extreme environments to learn more about early life.
16 July 2024
