{"title":"Minerals \u0026 Gems - Natural Specimens for Collectors","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003eMinerals and Gems\u003c\/strong\u003e collection presents the geological record at its most visually striking. Every piece is a natural artifact shaped by millions of years of heat, pressure, and chemistry - selected for visual quality, provenance, and the ability to communicate something true about the forces that formed it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom iridescent gem collectibles like Rainbow Fossil Ammolite to natural mineral specimens drawn from significant geological formations worldwide, this collection serves the serious collector and the student of earth science alike. Each mineral and gem piece is a window into a geological process older than any fossil in our collection - crystals, mineral deposits, and polished gem collectibles that belong in display cases, naturalists' studies, and science classrooms. These natural mineral specimens are chosen for the depth and character that only geological time can produce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinerals are the foundation of the geological record. This collection brings that deep history into your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-top: 1px solid #e5e5e5; margin-top: 2rem; padding-top: 1.25rem;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600; color: #999; margin: 0 0 10px 0; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.06em;\"\u003eAlso in the Natural History Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 13px; line-height: 2; margin: 0;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/fossil-casts-skeletal-reproductions\"\u003eFossil Casts \u0026amp; Skeletal Reproductions\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/authentic-fossil-specimens\"\u003eAuthentic Fossil Specimens\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/hominid-human-series\"\u003eHominid | Human Series\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/dinosaur-eggs\"\u003eDinosaur Eggs\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/natural-history-educational-kits\"\u003eNatural History Education Kits\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/minerals-and-gems\"\u003eMinerals \u0026amp; Gems\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/meteorite-specimens\"\u003eMeteorites\u003c\/a\u003e  ·  \u003ca style=\"color: #555; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding-bottom: 1px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/relics-artifacts\"\u003eRelics \u0026amp; Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"petrified-lightning-saharan-fulgurite-riker-box-specimen","title":"Petrified Lightning - Saharan Fulgurite Riker Box Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/petrified-lightning-front_75f40f1c-9f19-4c11-a394-b5060ac49426_1024x1024.png?v=1638478350\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen lightning strikes dry sand, the intense heat melts and fuses the silica creating tubes of rough glass called fulgurites. The process happens quickly, often trapping molecules from the surrounding atmosphere inside the walls of the impact tube. These natural time capsules allow scientists to study the composition of ancient climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fulgurite collected in the Sahara Desert. Originally featured in the Second Edition of the Mini Museum, we're happy to offer it as a stand-alone specimen for your collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small Riker Box Specimen","offer_id":43171391733873,"sku":"80-112-0001-201-36","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/petrified-lightning-MAIN-004.jpg?v=1777668273"},{"product_id":"bismuth-crystal-with-iridescent-oxide","title":"Bismuth Crystal with Iridescent Oxide","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-front_1024x1024.png?v=1602509491\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"The Philosopher takes pleasure in the contemplation of the nature of these compounds while the miner takes pleasure in the profit and use he obtains from the metals he extracts from them.\" ~ Georgius Agricola, 1546\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a complete bismuth crystal. They are hand cast in Colorado by a family that specializes in creating bismuth crystals for the jewelry industry. We loved them so much that we had to share them with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-crystals-in-hand_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A pair of Bismuth crystals in hand.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA classic piece for every natural history collection, Bismuth, element 83, is known best for its multicolor formations of a deep, staircase-like structure. These fractal patterns are known as hopper crystals, identifiable by their hollow step lattices. When bismuth cools it forms in a rhombohedral structure with the edges of the formation crystallizing at a much faster rate than the center of the faces. This pulls material away from the interior and leaves gaps in the structure, causing the final product to appear hollow. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-crystal-pinch_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707663\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Close-up of a specimen displaying the intricate lattice pattern.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crystal’s uniquely iridescent shine also occurs during its formation process. While the metal’s true color is a white silver, it can oxidize during the cooling process to form a thin layer of film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-ingot-detail_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707304\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A pure Bismuth ingot. We've used this material to make some of our bismuth crystals and it is a fun challenge!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis film interferes with light waves, giving bismuth its colorful appearance, similar in process to the rainbow glimmer of a soap bubble. While these formations do not appear often in nature, bismuth’s relatively low melting point of 520 °F means it is possible to create synthetic bismuth crystals at home with the right materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-wide_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707388\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A selection of Bismuth crystals\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAs you can see, each crystal is a unique and beautiful natural art object. No two will be alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-closeup_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602511664\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe specimen is contained inside an acrylic specimen jar. The jar is enclosed inside a classic, glass-topped riker display case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This specimen is 100% safe to handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile it can be used as a replacement for lead or as a pigment in cosmetics, Bismuth is most commonly used for medicinal purposes in the compound bismuth subsalicylate, known under the brand name Pepto-Bismol. It is not well understood how bismuth subsalicylate operates when ingested, but it is thought that it stimulates the absorption of fluid and electrolytes within the intestine while inhibiting inflammations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLong thought to have been the heaviest nonradioactive element, researchers in 2003 discovered that the naturally occurring isotope of the bismuth did in fact undergo alpha decay and calculated a half-life of 1.9×10^19 years. Luckily, this half-life is about a billion times longer than the current age of the universe, meaning that you won’t have to worry about any radioactivity from Pepto-Bismol or this specimen. 😎\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgricola, Georgius. De Natura Fossilium (Textbook of Mineralogy). Geological Society of America, 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ede Marcillac, P., Coron, N., Dambier, G. et al. Experimental detection of α-particles from the radioactive decay of natural bismuth. Nature 422, 876–878 (2003)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-back_1024x1024.png?v=1602509532\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e Above: Back of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171393044593,"sku":"80-112-0088-201-39","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/add-on-bismuth-01.jpg?v=1777668623"},{"product_id":"rough-opal","title":"Rough Opal","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-front_1024x1024.png?v=1643637908\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA gemstone almost alive with an intense inner fire, opals have held the attention of humans for many thousands of years. From Egypt and Classical Greece to China and the Americas, ancient civilizations valued the beauty of opal, but it is only in recent history that we've come to understand the complex nature of this unique gemstone. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-in-hand_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643639193\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Grant holding a Rough Opal specimen.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of rough opalized plant material from Lightning Ridge in NSW, Australia. Australia is the largest producer of opals in the world. The opal fields here date to the Cretaceous when Central Australia was home to an enormous inland sea, known to science as the Eromanga Basin. It dates to roughly 110,000,000 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-above_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643639268\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-above_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643639268\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Rough Opal Specimens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe specimen is housed in an acrylic jar that is encased within a glass-topped riker display box. The box measures 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-specimen-jar-2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643640632\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis specimen first appeared in the Third Edition of the Mini Museum (MM3). The single specimens offered here come from the same mine but are much larger. All specimens are completely unique and coloration varies. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171393994865,"sku":"80-112-0203-201-40","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/add-on-rough-opal-02.jpg?v=1777668901"},{"product_id":"labradorite-palm-stones","title":"Labradorite Palm Natural Stones","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabradorite\u003c\/strong\u003e is a glimmering mineral with a beautifully distinct shine. The stone can form in a variety of different colors, with oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and silvers often mixing within a single piece. What makes Labradorite’s colorful nature appear is a geological wonder; a bending of light on the microscopic level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e These stones have been smoothed and shaped as palm stones. They are meant to be held and admired in hand. By turning the stone in the light, you can change the angle of refraction and unlock new and incredible colors within the labradorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW! XL Size added!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43171395305585,"sku":"80-112-0202-201-40-SMALL","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43171395338353,"sku":"80-112-0202-201-40-LARGE","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":43171395371121,"sku":"80-112-0202-201-40-XL","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/labradorite-group-01.jpg?v=1777052855"},{"product_id":"cultured-pearl","title":"Cultured Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/cultured-pearl-02-front_1024x1024.png?v=1605551061\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"He had taken from a secret resting-place in his bosom the pearl, the last of his jewels. As he looked at it, a mellower lustre, a soft and iridescent light, full of shifting gleams of azure and rose, trembled upon its surface. It seemed to have absorbed some reflection of the colours of the lost sapphire and ruby. So the profound, secret purpose of a noble life draws into itself the memories of past joy and past sorrow.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Henry van Dyke, The Other Wise Man, 1895\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pearl is an iconic treasure. Serving as a symbol of wealth across many cultures throughout history, the pearl is not a gemstone, but rather a completely organic creation formed within the shell of a living mollusk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen an irritant (sand, parasite, etc) enters the mollusk’s shell, the animal reacts by coating the object with layers of aragonite and calcite. Known as nacre, this material builds up layer after layer creating a hard shell around the object. While this process protects the soft flesh of the mollusk, it also creates a beautiful and unique byproduct we call the pearl.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/pearls-01_1024x1024.jpg?v=1605738775\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A closeup of Cultured Pearl specimens.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a cultured pearl from a freshwater farm on the Tennessee River. Operated for decades by the same family, the methods they employ are used by modern pearl farms around the world to create a sustainable harvest of one of the world's natural treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen is housed in an acrylic jar that is encased within a glass-topped riker display box. The box measures 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Pearls and Pearl Farming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe collection of pearls has a long history, and like any human endeavor, there are intricate traditions and rituals associated with time-tested methods and practices. Each story is a unique chronicle of the connection between humans and the sea, though perhaps the most famous is that of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHaenyeo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e divers from Jeju Island off the coast of South Korea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe tradition of diving on Jeju goes back to at least 434 CE, and since the 17th century, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHaenyeo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has consisted entirely of women. Divers begin training early, around the age of 11, and their work powers the entire economy of the island. In the past, women would work every day, even when pregnant. In fact, some even gave birth in the boat. While incredibly difficult, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHaenyeo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e have also achieved economic and social freedom as a result of their partnership with the sea and making them the head of their households. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural pearls form around nearly any foreign object. This often results in irregular shapes and sizes, and makes locating the classic, spherical shape quite rare.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOver the past century, a technique for cultivating perfect pearls has been developed. By inserting a round bead into the mollusk, a spherical pearl can be formed and harvested in 18 months. This technique was used and perfected in the beginning of the 20th century by Japanese businessman Mikimoto Kōkichi (1858-1954). Mikimoto’s fascination with pearls began at a young age, and as an adult he became interested in finding a way to develop perfect pearls. The growing price of pearls in foreign markets meant they were being gathered more and more, not only making pearls rarer but endangering the oysters that made them. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith a series of patents, Mikimoto established a powerful presence in the pearl market with his new cultivation techniques. Known as the “Pearl King”, he helped shift the industry towards oyster culturing methods rather than simply searching for wild oysters. Mikimoto saw his method of cultivation as “a successful case of science applied in aid of nature,” as while their creation was started through a scientific process, the pearls themselves were made through natural means.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eToday, pearl farms continue to be the main source of pearls on the market, though Japan is no longer the only provider. In the past decades, pearl farms have begun to form in the United States. American pearls come from a freshwater mussel in the midwest and the techniques of each farm are closely protected. These farms are able to produce hundreds of thousands of pearls a year and sometimes use custom-designed inserts to create uniquely shaped pearls, such as coins, teardrops, and triangles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe United States has historically been a bountiful location for pearl hunters. In the mid 19th century, a discovery of a 26-gram pearl in New Jersey led to a rush around the country, pulling up millions of pearls from New York to Mississippi. This overcollection along with the effects of industrialization destroyed the population of freshwater mussels, causing the American market to disappear until the development of pearl cultivation. The Tennessee River holds most of the mussel farming in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/cultured-pearl-back_1024x1024.png?v=1605551092\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e Above: Back of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171395829873,"sku":"80-112-0100-201-36","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/add-on-pearl-01-1000.jpg?v=1777052860"},{"product_id":"amethyst-classic-riker-box-specimen-brazilian","title":"Amethyst Classic Riker Box Specimen - Brazilian","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/amethyst-front_1024x1024.png?v=1611940381\" alt=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/amethyst-front_1024x1024.png?v=1611940381\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormed in volcanic rocks and colored violet by radiation, amethyst has an explosive origin. The traditional birthstone of February, it can be found around the world and is sought after for its beautiful purple hues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171396026481,"sku":"80-112-0110-201-36","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/add-on-amethyst-01-1000.jpg?v=1777052861"},{"product_id":"pearl-of-wisdom-pocket-treasure","title":"Pearl of Wisdom Pocket Treasure","description":"\u003cp\u003eA magnificent cultured pearl and a thoughtful pearl of wisdom in one pocket-sized specimen box!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCultured pearls are treasures that have been sought after for centuries and a unique intersection of human-made and natural processes. By inserting a round bead into a mollusk, nacreous pearls can be formed and harvested in 18 months. Farming pearls was first perfected in Japan and has been adopted all over the world. The results are a marvel of both science and beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a cultured pearl harvested from a freshwater farm on the Tennessee River. With every box, we've also included our own pearl of wisdom, straight from the quill of Mini Museum wordsmith Erik. It's a striking pocket-sized pearl that makes a fantastic gift!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product cannot be returned or exchanged.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171396747377,"sku":"80-112-0440-201-40","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/pearls-of-wisdom-MAIN-006.jpg?v=1777052903"},{"product_id":"tranquillityite","title":"Tranquillityite Natural Stone from Australia","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts brought rocks back to Earth from the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility. Within these stones, we found many hints towards the creation of both our moon and our own planet. Sample 10047 contained a mineral never seen by NASA geologists: Tranquillityite, named for its place of discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor over 40 years, Tranquillityite was known to form only on the Moon. However, in 2011 geologists identified deposits of the mineral in Western Australia. These new samples formed in the Warakurna Large Igneous Province and are over one billion years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is one of those rare pieces of terrestrial Tranquillityite, recovered from Australia. It comes with a handsome display case and an informational authenticity card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171397664881,"sku":"80-112-0415-201-40","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/tranquillityite-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1777052914"},{"product_id":"rough-ruby","title":"Rough Ruby","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmong the five cardinal gemstones, the ruby holds a special place. This striking gem fuses shades of red and blue into new menageries of color. Like other gemstones, rubies are imprints of past geological processes, shedding light on the tectonic forces churning below our feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of rough ruby, demonstrating its natural form. First appearing in the Fifth Edition, this gemstone comes with a small informational card that serves as certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171398418545,"sku":"80-112-0198-201-40","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/rough-ruby-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1777052920"},{"product_id":"red-ochre-dawn-of-creativity-card-display","title":"Red Ochre Dawn of Creativity - Card Display","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn prehistoric caves around the world lie some of the earliest works of art in human history: vivid scenes of prehistoric megafauna and other stunning animals. How did ancient artists create these beautiful displays? A simple pigment called ochre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a sample of red ochre material, appearing just as it would when our ancestors used the pigment to paint incredible cave art. The material is affixed to an informational card detailing the history and uses of ochre in the Paleolithic world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"te-floating-button-container\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43171741139057,"sku":"80-112-0458-201-40","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/files\/red-ochre-MAIN-003.jpg?v=1777079832"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0615\/0537\/collections\/category-minerals-gems-1080sqr.jpg?v=1779317368","url":"https:\/\/www.museumize.com\/collections\/minerals-and-gems.oembed","provider":"Museumize.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}