The Rock and Mineral Experience was designed with rockhounds in mind! This exhibit hall features 23 rock, mineral, and fossil exhibits, focusing on earth science and lapidary materials. As you enter the hall, you will experience the beauty of petrified wood welcoming you to the world of geology. This 2,363 pound piece of petrified wood came from the Petrified Forest in Arizona.

Other exhibits explore geology, including Illinois’ famous Mazon Creek fossils. There’s even a Tully Monster, Illinois’ state fossil, on display! You can see rocks that glow in the dark in the miner’s display. This replica is inspired by a real mine in Quincy, Michigan. A display of fossils shows how life has changed over geologic time, starting at 3.5 billion years ago.

Other exhibits show lapidary materials, including minerals and fossils used in lapidary. Some exhibits are interactive and give geologic explanations designed to engage visitors of all ages. Interactive Touch Screens provide more information on minerals, lapidary and the Museum’s collection. New, interactive games, Mineral Match, Strike It Rich!, and Fossil Dig, provide a fun and educational way to interact with the very pieces you’ll see on display!

Come and engross yourself in the world of rocks and minerals!