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Latest news and announcements from the Rice Northwest Rock and Mineral Museum.

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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Dino Play Day at the Rice Museum!

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 with general admission. Free for members. This event is in conjunction with Worldwide Day of Play, an event sponsored by the Association of Children’s Museums and Nickelodeon. As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, it focuses on getting children and their families active!

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Jeff Parshley Joins the Board

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 particular emphasis in sustainable mine closure over the past 35 years. His career has taken him to mining districts throughout the world.   Over three decades ago, Jeff began working for SRK Consulting, an employee-owned global engineering and scientific firm specializing in support for a responsible mineral resource industry. He served on the boards of SRK’s North American and global companies including five years as chair and continues to serve on the board of SRK Chile. In addition, Jeff has served for a total of 10 years on the board of trustees of the American Exploration & Mining Association based in Spokane, Washington. He serves on several advisory boards for the Mackay College of Science at the University of Nevada Reno.  Jeff has won several awards and accolades including the 2014 AIME/SME Environmental Conservation Distinguished Service Award for his work in mine closure. He was featured on the Mining Journal’s list of mining’s 50 most influential people in 2020 and 2021.   Jeff was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Portland. He now lives in Reno, Nevada, and still prefers to self-collect minerals when he can. 

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Summer Reading Challenge

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 children via this page, and we will send you one free admission pass per child. Also on this page is where you will download the challenges. And, we’ve included a list of books by topic, for inspiration! Once your child has completed a challenge, stop by the Museum Gift Store and we will give them their prize!

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Beautiful Rocks & How to Find Them

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 can be found in our region. Alison Jean Cole is a lapidary artist based in Portland, Oregon. She travels all over the western United States in search of materials to use in her craft. She leads rockhounding expeditions, is a proud member of her local rock club, and self-publishes Thunderegg, a zine that focuses on the changing face of rockhounding culture.

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Blue Star Museum 2024

We are again joining museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer.  The 2024 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024. Learn more and find the list of participating museums at  arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.  Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. The program includes children’s museums, art, science, and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more, and hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The current list of participating museums will continue to grow over the summer as organizations are welcome to register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.  Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card  (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. Follow #bluestarmuseums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily. 

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Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
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