Tours

Mineralogy: Geology, Gems and Minerals Galleries

Dr. Jeffrey Post, Research Geologist & Curator of the National Gem and Mineral Collection

Department of Mineral Sciences

National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution

Our group consisted of fifteen avid gem and mineral fans. We met Dr. Post outside the Geology, Gems and Mineral Galleries and he immediately  escorted us to the Hope Diamond, an absolutely enormous and very rare blue diamond encircled by very large white diamonds.  Dr. Hunt told the long history of the diamond and explained that perfect blue diamonds are very rare, especially one that size. 

The Hope Diamond is encased in a transparent  transparent, but unbreakable case and slowly revolves on a stand so  it can be viewed from any angle. We then followed Dr. Post into another room where incredibly beautiful pieces of jewelry were displayed including, necklaces, rings necklaces, rings bracelets, and tiaras made of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones Dr. Post knew the story of each item and told us which ones had been given by kings to queens on their wedding day, or upon the birth of a child.

On our way to a behind-the-scenes-tour, we passed through the mineral gallery, where spectacular minerals in all shapes, sizes and colors could be seen. Dr. Post then took us to the lab where many specimens were stored, and we were able to examine and hold various items as he told the stories of what they were and where, when and how they had been found. Our time with Dr. Post passed far too quickly as we had so many other displays to see and questions to ask! We all expressed our thanks to him for his willingness to share his vast knowledge and expertise with us in such a gracious manner.