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 »
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 »
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
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Do you know the name of the spectacular violet-blue gemstone that is found in only one place in the world? Answer: Tanzanite Tanzanite was discovered in the northern region of Tanzania in 1967, by a Maasai Tribesman, who stumbled upon it by accident. It wasn’t long before miners moved in and began unearthing the gem,
World Record for Largest Cut Tanzanite Set at Museum Read More »
Don’t miss out – our exhibit of the worldwide collection of fine minerals owned by Gail and Jim Spann will be leaving in a few short months. Thousands of people have already been wowed by this exhibit, but if you haven’t seen the it yet you should make plans soon. This spectacular display of world-class
Time is running out to see the Spann Exhibit Read More »
Be sure to visit us for our upcoming Garage Sale August 30-31, 2019 and scoop up some amazing bargains by the pound. We are overrun with donated material from local rockhounds, and we are running out of storage space. This material is priced to sell! The rough lapidary material and yard rocks are at especially
Garage Sale this Friday and Saturday – Bring Your Own Bucket 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 »
