Afghanistan and Pakistan Gems Shine

Now on display at UA Science: Flandrau
Take a rare peek inside the headlines surrounding the vast mineral resources of Afghanistan and Pakistan with the UA Mineral Museum’s new exhibit, featuring some of the most beautiful and valuable gems and minerals ever displayed from the “Hindu Kush.”

Welcome to the University of Arizona Mineral Museum

The Museum is dedicated to providing public education and the preservation of minerals and meteorites while also serving the research needs of professionals, students and collectors. The collection is world-wide in scope, but with specific emphasis on minerals from Arizona and Mexico.

Funded through Flandrau: The University of Arizona Science Center, and sponsored in part by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society

Senior Curatorial Specialist Shirley Wetmore retires

January 16th, 2009

After 30 years, Shirley Wetmore has retired from the University of Arizona Mineral Museum. It is with great sadness that the Museum sees Shirley leave.

» Read more...

About Acanthite


Acanthite derives its name from the Greek word acantha (thorn) due to the thorn-like shape of its crystals. It forms pseudo-cubic dark gray to black crystals and is one of the most important silver ores.