Earth & Planetary Sciences Gallery

  • Three different sizes of green and pink tourmaline.

Step inside the Harvard Museum of Natural History’s newly renovated Earth & Planetary Sciences gallery. The expansive space displays thousands of rare minerals and sparkling gemstones, including a stunning new display of Maine’s most famous mineral, tourmaline. Marvel at their array of colors and intricate formations and discover which elements give them their particular hues. 
 
Uncover the mysteries of our planet's origins revealed in ancient meteorites and terrestrial rock that contains some of Earth’s oldest minerals such as zircon crystals that have survived intact for 4.3 billion years! Visitors can also touch rock and mineral specimens that date back to the beginning of our solar system. 
 
Whether you're a gemstone enthusiast or simply intrigued by Earth’s wonders, don’t miss exploring this dazzling gallery of minerals.

Mineral Eggs

Mineral Eggs is a small exhibit in the Earth & Planetary Sciences Gallery that displays a beautiful collection of polished egg-shaped minerals that belong to London businessman and collector Robert Myers. 

Cosmic Origins

The Harvard Museum of Natural History marked the 50th anniversary of the first manned mission to the Moon with the unveiling of Cosmic Origins. Visitors to this small exhibit—located within our Earth & Planetary Sciences exhibition—will investigate the origins of and processes shaping planetary bodies and stars by using touchable specimens, colorful visuals, and interactive media. 

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