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Resources
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About
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Acknowledgements
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Teaching Aids
Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones of the United States
One hundred specimens of rocks, minerals, and gemstones mounted, labeled, and framed on this display board that is twelve inches high and twenty inches long. Includes a sixteen-page guide to the specimens. For all ages. Call the Smithsonian Catalogue, 800-322-0344. Item number 6010, $65 ($58.50 for Smithsonian members) plus shipping and handling.
Crystal Growing Kit (large)
This science kit comes with all the materials needed to grow ten different varieties of crystals. Includes eight bags of crystal-growing chemicals, nine crystal-and geode-growing molds, a casting compound, safety glasses, and an instruction manual. For ages 10 and up. Call the Smithsonian Catalogue, 800-322-0344. Item number 6031, $26 ($23.40 for Smithsonian members) plus shipping and handling.
Crystal Growing Kit (small)
A smaller version of the above, this kit includes two crystal solutions and molds, base rocks, safety glasses, a magnifying glass, and an instruction manual. Comes in a convenient plastic carrying case. For ages 10 and up. Call the National Museum of Natural History museum shop, 202-357-1535. $12.50 ($11.25 for Smithsonian members) plus shipping and handling.
Rock and Gem Dig Kit
This kit shows how rocks and minerals are formed, how to test for hardness and streak, and how to identify different specimens. Comes with a color gemstone identification chart, a wooden chisel and mallet, safety glasses, a magnifying glass, a streak plate, and a solidified sand block with embedded rocks and minerals. Comes in a convenient plastic carrying case. For ages 8 and up. Call the National Museum of Natural History museum shop, 202-357-1535. $12.50 ($11.25 for Smithsonian members) plus shipping and handling.
Book
Post, J. E. The National Gem Collection, Smithsonian Institution (New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1997).
Websites
A Gem of a Story Online is an electronic field trip to the National Museum of Natural History's Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals. Lots of information, photographs, lesson plans, and virtual tours of the exhibits. For teachers and students grades 7-12.
Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History Website
The mission of the department is to study the origin and evolution of the Earth and solar system, Earth processes and their products, and the effects of geologic and meteoritic phenomena on Earth's atmosphere and biosphere. Its Website details the department's research interests, collections, outreach programs and exhibitions.
Books and Teaching Guides
Cuff, K., and C. Sneider, L. Bergman, A. Gould, and J. Seltzer. Stories in Stone, Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) Program. Berkeley, California: Lawrence Hall of Science, 1996.
Pellent, C., H. Taylor, and H. Pelland. Rocks and Minerals, Eyewitness Handbooks. New York: Dorling Kindersley, Inc., 1992.
Symes, R. F. Rocks and Minerals, Eyewitness Books. New York: Alfred A. Knopf Inc., 1988.
Electronic Resources
National Mining Association Website
http://www.nma.org/
The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom:
An Interactive Guide to Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones
http://www.webmineral.com/
Mineralogical Society of America
http://www.minsocam.org/
The Mineral Gallery
http://mineral.galleries.com/
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Elbaite Multicolor © Smithsonian Institution
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