Rice Mineral Museum News
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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.