Exhibits

Unveiling Ancient Crustaceans

Written by Jeremy Salvucci The Art and Science of Fossil Crab Preparation Michelangelo, perhaps the most lauded sculptor of the Renaissance period, said “every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” And while the artist behind David — perhaps the best-known marble sculpture in the world — was speaking figuratively, his words apply in a more literal sense to the creations of modern-day stoneworker Bruce Thiel. Thiel, like Michelangelo, discovers statues in blocks (well, oblate spheroids) of stone, but these statues really were in the stone to begin with. Michelangelo, the sculptor behind David, said that all of his works already existed figuratively within the stone. The crab fossil prepared by Thiel really did exist within the stone before he carefully exposed it. Each of Thiel’s creations on display at the Rice Museum is a carefully exposed fossil of a crab that lived 30 to 50 million years ago before being buried suddenly in an event akin to an undersea mudslide. As such, each is unique — some were cemented with legs bent neatly and claws closed, while others were captured like a candid snapshot tumbling about with claws open, reaching out as if to grab hold of some kind of prehistoric sustenance. It’s Bruce’s job to tease these ancient crustaceans carefully from the sedimentary caskets (AKA concretions) that have entombed them for tens of millions of years so that modern researchers (and museum-goers) can experience a moment from the Paleogene seafloor in the form of a perfect stone cast of a once-living crab. Who is Bruce Thiel? Bruce, a local amateur paleontologist and fossil artisan, collected and prepared the crab fossils featured in the Rice Museum’s temporary crab fossil exhibit. His interest in collecting and preserving the fossils of crabs and other marine invertebrates began during his retirement, and he’s spent much of his time over the last decade and a half studying and visiting outcrops of lithified marine sediment in Oregon and Washington in search of these sorts of fossils. His work has been featured in the Bulletin of the Mizunami Fossil Museum, and his preparations have appeared in 11 museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in D.C. Outside of his current temporary exhibit, three of Bruce’s pieces also reside in the Rice Museum’s permanent collection for visitors to enjoy for years to come. How does Bruce collect and prepare the crab fossils? Most of the crab fossils Bruce prepares begin as concretions. These are round-ish masses of sedimentary material that usually form around a central node (in this case, a crab that was buried in sediment). Because concretions are harder than the rock matrix in which they form, they often become exposed naturally as their host stratum erodes when exposed at the earth’s surface in an outcrop. Concretions (the rounded stones visible in the photos above) are harder than the sedimentary matrix that surrounds them, so they become visible as the host rock slowly weathers.  After collecting at an outcrop, Bruce brings promising concretions back to his shop to examine them and determine which ones are of sufficient quality to warrant the 15 to 20 hours it takes him to prepare them for display. If he is unsure whether a concretion contains a crab, he uses a hammer to drive a chisel into the edge of the nodule in order to split it relatively neatly in two. If the top or bottom of a crab fossil is exposed on one of the halves, that half can be partially worked to expose more of the crab’s anatomy, allowing Bruce to figure out how some of its features are oriented within the concretion. Bruce then glues the two halves back together, armed with a general sense of the crab’s size, position, and orientation within the concretion. Fun fact: Bruce inherited the chisel he’s used to split concretions. It is 50 years old, composed of tempered steel, and was originally used to work on metal. In the summer of 2024, however, Bruce’s legacy chisel began to curl and split, so he finally purchased a new one. Most concretions split fairly evenly in half when struck with a good chisel, potentially revealing fossils within. In other cases, if Bruce knows his concretions are from a crab-bearing stratum, and he is fairly confident they contain full or near-full crab fossils, he may omit the splitting step and begin carefully working the concretion starting from the center of one of its sides. In either case, this is when he begins the most time-consuming and meticulous stage of the preparation process — carefully removing small pieces of the rock matrix surrounding the crab fossil to slowly expose it without damaging it. To do this, Bruce uses a very specific setup: The concretion is placed on top of beanbags (for support) inside a box with wooden sides and a plexiglass top and front. Armholes in the front of the box allow Bruce access to the piece, while a vent in the back of the box pulls rock dust out and away from Bruce as he works through the rock matrix to expose the crab. In addition to the ventilation fan, Bruce also wears a respirator for rock dust and earplugs to muffle the sound of his tools. Not-so-fun fact: Inhaling rock dust can, over time, cause irreversible damage to the lungs that can lead to respiratory disease and premature death. Silicosis is a particularly nasty version that results specifically from inhaling silica (i.e., quartz) dust. While the concretions Bruce works with aren’t particularly high in silica, inhalation of any kind of rock dust can be harmful and should be avoided by using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever working with stone. Bruce’s custom fossil-preparation lab includes a microscope, lights, and a safety fan that pulls rock dust away from Bruce through a vent. A binocular microscope mounted on a stand that sits next to the wood and plexiglass box allows Bruce a magnified

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Green Gems galore

Rice Museum’s Triumph at Tucson 2025 We are thrilled to announce our recent success at the 70th Annual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, where we proudly took home the Betty and Clayton Gibson Memorial Trophy for Best Museum Exhibit. This year’s theme, “Shades of Green – Experience the Magic,” provided the perfect backdrop for our stunning display of verdant minerals. Our Award-Winning Exhibit:  Our exhibit showcased a breathtaking array of green minerals, each with its unique charm and characteristics, including: Malachite: This iconic green mineral, known for its striking banded patterns, captivated visitors with its rich, forest-green hues. Prehnite: Our collection featured exquisite specimens of this pale green to yellow-green mineral, prized for its subtle beauty and spiritual properties. Dioptase: The deep emerald-green crystals of dioptase were a highlight, their intense color rivaling that of emeralds. Austinite: This rare arsenate mineral, with its delicate mint-green crystals, added a touch of elegance to our display. Austinite. Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Mun. de Mapimi, Durango, Mexico. The Magic of Green Minerals Green minerals have long fascinated collectors and enthusiasts alike. They evoke memories of lush landscapes and symbolize nature, spring, and renewal. The variety of green hues in the mineral world is truly astounding, ranging from the electric lime of pyromorphite to the deep forest green of malachite. What is “green”? Light is made up of many wavelengths, but these minerals absorb everything except for green. So our brains see that wavelength and say, “yep,that’s green!” But, about 350 million people don’t see all wavelengths of the light spectrum and instead of shades of greens, might be seeing colors like orange, red, yellow, beige, brown, or blue in this display. How cool is that? What are some things that make minerals green? Physical material. For example, green clay. Structures that affect how a mineral absorbs or reflects light. For example, green flash in opal. Elements that are part of the mineral’s structure. For example, the copper (Cu) in Malachite’s chemical formula. Chemical impurities. For example, when beryl contains Chromium (Cr), it is called an emerald. Prehnite with epidote. Sadiola Gold Mine, Sadiola hill, Kayes Region, Mali. Collector’s Corner For mineral enthusiasts looking to start or expand their green mineral collection, here are some tips: Research the hardness and durability of minerals before purchasing. Consider the rarity and origin of specimens to build a diverse collection. Look for unique crystal formations or patterns that make each piece special. Invest in proper storage and display options to protect and showcase your collection. Malachite ‘Corn on the Cob’.   Looking Ahead The success of our exhibit at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show has inspired us to continue our mission of educating and inspiring the public about the wonders of the mineral world. We invite you to visit the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals to experience our award-winning collection firsthand and discover the magical world of green minerals for yourself.

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Amethyst: The Purple Gem of Mystery and Magic!

Let’s dive into the world of amethyst, the dazzling purple gemstone that rocks the month of February! This incredible mineral isn’t just a pretty stone – it’s packed with fascinating stories and cool scientific secrets. What Makes Amethyst Special? Amethyst is a type of quartz with a stunning purple color that comes from tiny amounts of iron inside the stone, and irradiation. It’s super tough, scoring a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it can handle some serious adventure! Ancient Stories and Cool Facts Did you know that ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness? In fact, the name “amethyst” comes from a Greek word meaning “not drunk”. Imagine that – a magical stone that was thought to keep people sober! Fun Transformations Here’s a mind-blowing science fact: If you heat amethyst to super high temperatures (over 500°C), it can actually change color and become citrine, another type of quartz. Talk about a rock star with shape-shifting powers! Where Do Amethysts Come From? These purple gems are found in awesome locations around the world, including: Brazil Uruguay Zambia Canada United States The coolest part? Amethysts often hide inside geodes – rocks that look totally ordinary on the outside but reveal sparkling purple crystals when cracked open! Amethyst on Epidote, Las Vigas, Mexico. Photo: Jeff Scovil. So next time you see this beautiful purple stone, remember – it’s not just a pretty gem, it’s a geological superhero with a history as colorful as its amazing purple shine. 

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A close up of the top part of a snowflake

Is Ice a Mineral?

The short answer is, YES, ice is a mineral.  Imagine a special treasure from the Earth that has some super cool rules! A mineral is like a nature-made superhero with these awesome powers: 1. Rock Solid! ? It’s not a liquid or a gas Can’t stick your hand through it 2. Nature Made ?  It comes straight from nature Not made by humans Can be found in the ground, mountains, or caves 3. No Living Stuff Allowed! ? Not made from plants or animals Totally non-living 4. Secret Chemical Recipe ? Has its own special mix of elements Like a unique ingredient list 5. Crystal Magic ? Grows in a super organized pattern Looks like tiny building blocks perfectly stacked But, what about water? Isn’t ice just frozen water? Water checks off 4 of the 5 requirements of being a mineral, but it is not SOLID.    What about ice cubes from the fridge?  No! Because they are made by humans. What about frozen treats, like shave ice? Most likely not, because it is made with ice from a freezer.  The next time it snows, enjoy playing in a mineral!

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Eerie Elegance: The Spooky Mineral Display You Can’t Miss

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals invites you to explore a captivating collection that perfectly embodies the spirit of Halloween. This season, our Museum is showcasing a SPOOKY DISPLAY of minerals and rocks, each with playful names that evoke eerie themes. From “VAMPIRE-ITE” to “SKULL-ECITE,” these geological wonders offer a unique twist on the traditional Halloween experience.  Whether you’re searching for “rocks and minerals near me” or simply looking to indulge your curiosity, this special exhibit promises to thrill visitors of all ages. Join us as we delve into the mysterious world of these bewitching specimens, where science meets the supernatural. Prepare for a hauntingly good time at the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals, where every stone tells a story and every visit is an adventure! On display through the end of October 2024.  Can’t visit in person? Check out our virtual museum! Some minerals we tweaked their names, some we didn’t! Can you figure out which ones? Answers are at the bottom of the page.  Don’t miss Halloween at the Museum, Saturday, October 26th 2024 10am-2pm.  Answers:  Vampire-ite = Pyrite Azure-fright = Azurite Mal-achite = Malachite Diablo-eite = Diaboleite Devilline = Devilline Die-optase = Dioptase Skullecite = Scolecite Skeletal Quartz = Skeletal Quartz Screamatite = Hematite Frankenstein-linite = Franklinite Petrified Wood = Petrified Wood Jasper the Friendly Ghost = Jasper Morgue-enite = Morganite Rhod-crow-site = Rhodochrosite Count Rockula = Geode

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Coming Soon! The Big Find: A Legend Continues

Coming Soon! The Big Find: A Legend Continues. 12 Jewelry Masterpieces made with world class tourmaline from Plumbago Mountain, Newry, Maine. Exhibited on the West Coast for the first time at the Rice Museum! 50 years ago, 4 miners unearthed over a ton of gem quality tourmaline crystals near the top of Plumbago Mountain, Maine– the most amazing single discovery of tourmaline of this caliber in North America. This was the find that changed everything. In 2022 the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum sought jewelry designers from across the country. These 12 designers, selected by jury, were each matched with one of the 12 stones from this historic find and asked to work their magic. The results are astounding. Plan a visit to see something you’ve never seen before. Exhibit opens March 12 and closes September 4th 2023. Thank you to the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum for lending us this exhibit. Artists whose work will be on display: Paula Crevoshay, Patty Dunning, Matt Fischer, Gerardo Gonzalez, Derek Katzenbach, Andy Lucas, Steve Manchini, Nick Noyes, Naomi Sama, Eric Stewart, Matt and Lauren Tuggle, and Stephen and Tamberlaine Zeh.

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Astronaut Buzz Aldrin walks on the surface of the moon

New Smithsonian Exhibition On View

Columbia command module pilot Michael Collins inside the craft. Credit: Photo courtesy of NASA The Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals presents Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission. The poster exhibition from the Smithsonian celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and explores the birth and development of the American space program and the space race.   On July 24, 1969, Apollo 11 met President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 challenge of “landing  a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.” The poster exhibition explores what led the United States to accept this challenge and how the resulting 953,054-mile voyage to the moon and back was accomplished just eight years after the program was authorized. Destination Moon examines the mission and recognizes some of the more than 400,000  people employed in NASA programs who worked through the trials, tragedies and triumphs of the 20 missions from 1961 to 1969 before Apollo 11.   Fifty years later, the Apollo program remains the benchmark for great national achievement. When Apollo 11 landed on the moon and humans first set foot on another celestial body, it gave humanity a new perspective from which to view the world. Using this  poster exhibition, viewers will be able to look back at this historic mission, and hopefully  envision the next generation of innovators, scientists, explorers and astronauts.   Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission is made possible by the support of Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, Joe Clark, Bruce R. McCaw Family Foundation, the Charles and Lisa Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, John and Susann Norton, and Gregory D. and Jennifer Walston  Johnson.  EDUCATOR GUIDE

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Smithsonian Exhibition Highlighting the History of Women Inventors in the US

Throughout American history, women with diverse backgrounds and interests created inventions that changed lives every day. But women haven’t always had equal opportunities to be inventors or received as much recognition. The Smithsonian and the United States Patent and Trademark Office present Picturing Women Inventors, a poster exhibition that explores the inventions of 19 highly accomplished American women. Astronauts, computer pioneers, and businesswomen join athletes, engineers, and even teenagers in this remarkable group of inventors. The posters will be on view at the Rice Museum when it reopens to the public on Saturday, May 1, and throughout summer 2021. Picturing Women Inventors showcases the breakthroughs, motivations, and challenges women encountered while pursuing their goals as inventors. The poster exhibition highlights stories of inventors like Marilyn Hamilton, who after a hang-gliding accident in 1978 left her paralyzed, invented a lightweight wheelchair that was easy to maneuver. Diversity of background and age are showcased including inventor Alexis Lewis, who at 12-years-old in 2011 was inspired to adapt a traditional Native American sled, called a travois, by adding wheels to create a simpler way to transport families and their belongings in Somalia. Picturing Women Inventors is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, in collaboration with the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation and the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and is sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies IF/THEN Initiative and Ericsson.

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New Cases Arrive to Hold Upcoming Spann Exhibit

Noted mineral collectors Jim and Gail Spann of Dallas, Texas, have generously agreed to loan the Museum a selection of about 75 of their finest mineral specimens for one year, starting on March 23, 2019. The loaned minerals were selected from the Spann’s personal collection of more that 15,000 minerals. To properly display the care for and exhibit such an important new collection, the Museum has been working hard behind the scenes. For example, the Museum recently acquired two new cases to hold the gems and minerals. These cases were built by It’s West Display and Lighting of Golden, Colorado, to the museum’s specification. The cases use state of the art LED lighting that will show off the Spann minerals – each case has more that 50 lights! When the cases arrived in Portland they were moved to our facility thanks to a pair of experienced ‘case wranglers’ from All Service Moving. After removal from their shipping containers, the 500 pound cases were moved individually to the Main Gallery in the basement of the Museum. This involved strenuous use of straps, a few raised voices, and considerable care to get down the long flight of stairs, but the professionals handled the move without incident. Once the cases are completely unwrapped and powered up, Curator Julian Gray will work with Jim and Gail Spann to perform the happy task of planning the layout for the exhibit. The international range of the specimens we plan to exhibit is impressive – you’ll see material that originated in Uraguay, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, and China, to name a few. Mark your calendars – March 23, 2019 through February 2020 – this exhibit is sure to draw a crowd!

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