Mineral Gallery

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With hundreds of different mineral crystals beautifully displayed, this exhibition showcases some of the finest specimens in the Somerville Collection. From the largest, a metre tall geode lined with large Amethyst crystals, to the smallest, over 100 tiny, perfectly formed 'thumbnail' specimens - all the colours and shapes you can imagine are displayed.

• Explore how and where different types of minerals form below and above the Earth's surface.
• Try and work out which minerals have what crystal shape.
• See the many different types of minerals that are found in spectacular mines located around the world.
• Find out how minerals are grouped by the chemicals they contain.
• Investigate the products that are made with mineral ingredients.
• Learn what makes a mineral a gemstone.

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