Latest news and announcements from the Rice Northwest Rock and Mineral Museum.
Written by Jan Morrison, Rice Museum Board Member Answers to the Question of Why and How You and I Should Support the Museum. My name is Jan Morrison, and I’m on the board of directors for the Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals. The best way I know to speak to you is directly […]
“What’s in it for me?” Read More »
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
Unveiling Ancient Crustaceans Read More »
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
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
Amethyst: The Purple Gem of Mystery and Magic! Read More »
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
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,”
Eerie Elegance: The Spooky Mineral Display You Can’t Miss Read More »
SAT, SEP 28TH 10AM-2PM Join us for DINO PLAY DAY! Fossil Digs – you get to be the paleontologist! Hands-on Fossil Table – touch real dino bones! The Fossil Team – will be here with their fossils and replicas! Dinosaur & Prehistoric Critter Drawings – by geology student and artist, Ethan Schmunk! Dino Crafts – let your imagination run wild! Included
Dino Play Day at the Rice Museum! Read More »
Jeff Parshley has been a mineral collector since early in life—a penchant that increasingly crystallized during his 40-plus year career in the minerals industry. He is a registered professional geologist in seven states and certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Jeff’s work has included mineral exploration, research geology, geochemistry, and environmental stewardship, with a
Jeff Parshley Joins the Board Read More »
Are you ready for the challenge? From June 29th through September 10th, any child who finishes one of of our two reading challenges gets a prize! Challenge 1 – Read books on various Earth Sciences topics. Challenge 2 – Read new books, or your favorite books, in various places outdoors. Parents, register your child or
Summer Reading Challenge Read More »
PRESENTATION & BOOK SIGNING Join local rockhound Alison Jean Cole for a presentation and signing of her new book, “Beautiful Rocks and How To Find Them” on Saturday, Jun 15, 2024 at 2pm. Alison will discuss the Pacific Northwest rockhounding scene, laws that allow us to collect, and share amazing stories about the rocks, minerals, and fossils that
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