The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals offers extensive research, training, workshops, classes, and educational material on the science of rocks and minerals. Our mineralogy and geology programs are featured in our Education area. There are special events and festivals annually for rock and mineral enthusiasts to learn even more.
Below is a collection earth science-related news, topics, discussions, and information to help you learn more about the study of rocks and minerals.
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
Fill your kids summer days with fun sports and games on our 22 acres of property. Let them experiment with many different parts of STEAM including chemistry, biology, engineering, technology, physics, geology, math, and even fine arts in our air conditioned classroom! Led by experienced teachers, along with special community guests and experts, with exclusive time reserved for touring and studying our Museum. Learn more here.
Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10am-2pm. Fun and educational for all ages. Indoors and outdoors. In our Northwest Gallery explore exhibits of Mt. Saint Helens Memorabilia and memories, and share your story with us. Don’t miss a fun and interactive activity on effusive vs. explosive volcanoes! Or Blair Stuhlmuller’s talk on World Ending
Join the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals for an evening of learning about our Earth! The New Geology Inspired: Speaker Series brings researchers, artists, historians, and geology enthusiasts to the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals. Join us for an evening of inspiration and learning. Proceeds from these events support the museum mission to
Geology Inspired: Speaker Series Read More »
Join us for a fascinating glimpse into the world of geology from the perspective of painters who capture landforms on canvas. Several artists from the Willamette Falls School of Art in Oregon City, Oregon will be on hand to showcase their work. The art school students and faculty will exhibit some of their paintings of local
Geology and Landscape Art Read More »
Rice NW Museum is getting prepped and ready to exhibit at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in February. In keeping with the show’s theme this year, the Rice NW Museum will be displaying some of its finest wulfenite specimens. Curator Julian Gray began planning the case layout months ago, and he has been working with
Wulfenite Specimens Prepared for Spotlight at the Tucson Show Read More »
New this year, we are partnering with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory to bring you science and family fun at Volcano Day at the Rice Museum. On Saturday, June 2, 2018, CVO scientists will give short talks throughout the day on our Cascades volcanoes and volcano science. Have a question about the volcanoes in
Volcano Day is June 2, 2018! Read More »
