In its synthetic form, it is a key ingredient in watches, radios and other electronics. In its natural form, it is the second most common mineral in Earth’s crust and is the mineral behind the well-known gems amethyst and citrine. “The specimen’s research value is significant, but its dramatic appearance makes it one of the most striking visual experiences in the museum.”įrom sandstone to gemstones, quartz is everywhere. rex and Henry the elephant-on display in the most visited natural history museum in the world,” said Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History. “We are thrilled to have the Berns Quartz join other Smithsonian icons-the Hope Diamond, the Nation’s T. It is named the Berns Quartz in recognition of Michael and Tricia Berns, whose philanthropic support brought the specimen into the museum’s collection. The quartz was discovered at the Coleman Mine in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains in 2016. At 7 feet tall and more than 8,000 pounds in weight, the gigantic cluster of thousands of sparkling crystals stands in the front gallery, adjacent to the museum’s historic north entrance. This is among the largest examples of quartz specimens on display in any museum in America. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History unveiled a stunning slab of quartz crystals today, Oct. Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Art.
