Over 800 Specimens on View
The museum's Northwest Gallery was opened in the mid-2000s, and features over 800 specimens from the Northwest and surrounding states.
Scroll on to discover 7 highlights from our Northwest Gallery...
1. World's Largest Thunderegg
Lumpy and bland on the outside, thundereggs reveal exquisite designs in a wide range of colors when cut and polished. They are found all over the world, including Oregon. This one weighs close to 1.7 tons and is touchable! It was found in Opal Butte, Oregon.
Molybdenite, Photo by Jeff ScovilRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
2. Molybdenite
The main source of molybdenum, which is used in the production of alloys to increase hardness, strength, electrical conductivity, and resistance to wear and corrosion. This specimen is from the Crown Point Mine, Washington.
Mesolite with Stilbite and Calcite, Photo by Jeff ScovilRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
3. Mesolite with Stilbite and Calcite
Mesolite is a type of mineral known as a zeolite. We use zeolites in many ways due to their absorbent nature, including in pet litter! This specimen was discovered at Skookumchuck Dam in Washington by a previous curator of the Rice Museum, Rudy Tsernich.
4. Jasper
Jasper is impure, fine-grained quartz, of any color, that cannot be seen through. It is often red, brown, or green, but can be lighter colors as well, and sometimes is called chert or flint. The color is from iron oxides and clay minerals. This specimen is from Biggs, Oregon.
Stilbite on CalciteRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
5. Stilbite on Calcite
This specimen was found in Woodland Quarry, Washington. Brecciated andesite rock containing plates of calcite were covered with minerals such as stilbite, quartz, and mordenite. Noble Witt, a specimen hunter, was the only person allowed to collect pieces in the 1960's.
Lava Cast (Mold)Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
6. Lava Cast
Lava burned and injected the surface of a tree that was partially buried in lava. The flange shapes on this specimen most likely follow the shape of the wood's bark and grain. The tree no longer exists but this mold remains. Collected in 1962 from Mt. Saint Helens, Washington.
Minerals from the Vaandering QuarryRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
7. Calcite
The Vaandering Rock Quarry was operated from 1962-1973 by William Vaandering and located in Forest Grove, about 40 minutes west of Portland. Minerals found there included calcite, quartz, natrolite, and more. A collection of specimens were donated to the Museum.
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