Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals

From the depths of the Earth to the heights of Solar System

See the sparkling highlights of the National Gem Collection, including the 168-carat Mackay emerald and diamond necklace and the massive Carmen Lúcia ruby (one of the largest rubies ever found)—and of course, the famous Hope Diamond.  

Touch meteorites that brought minerals to Earth and discover what they tell us about the earliest days of the formation of our planet, moon, and solar system.   

Step into an underground mine to delve into the forces underground that concentrate minerals, such as gold, copper, and rare earths, into ores used for industry.  

See lava and ash samples from three famous volcanoes, and be dazzled by hundreds of gem and mineral specimens of every size, shape, and color of the rainbow.

Online Resources

• Walk through the virtual tour of the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals from home. 
• Explore Earth Science resources for teachers. 
• Watch videos about geology, gems, and minerals from our Smithsonian Science How series. 
• Dig into how NMNH scientists study the mineral sciences