Museum of Nature
October 23, 2010
earth gallery
exhibit description:
Many of us are attracted to the natural beauty of rocks and minerals. How many times have we slipped a pretty stone in our pockets? Admired a polished gem in a store window? Wondered about the soil beneath our feet? There's something extraordinary about the geological world around us.
In May 2010 our newly renovated Vale Earth Gallery will reopen, and this perennial favourite will finally make its much-anticipated return.
The Vale Earth Gallery will offer a fascinating journey through geological time. Learn how the Earth formed, how powerful forces have shaped and changed our planet, and how geology and mineralogy connect with everyday life. Explore the diversity of Canada's rocks and minerals. Discover the oldest rock in Canada, meteorites and samples from the Earth's core, mantle and crust.
The best specimens from our world-class collection will be on display. You'll see dramatic colours, shapes and forms. You won't believe that nature can produce something so amazing.
Watch fascinating animations unfold on our new two-metre HD video globe, and uncover the secrets of our shifting and ever-changing planet.
The Canadian Museum of Nature's rocks and minerals are back, better than ever, and ready to dazzle!
entering the gallery
a digital globe of the earth (the camera flash, made it look like a big black ball)
types of rock
what is a mineral? to qualify, a mineral must satisfy the 5 following criteria:
1- be a solid; 2-result from geological processes; 3- possess an ordered atomic arrangement (also called the crystalline structure); 4 - have a well-defined chemical composition; 5- be inorganic
christopher checking out the display "a molten planet"
explaining the three flavours of meteorites
"from big bang to earth"
one of the oldest rocks on earth.
"life marks earth"
this was found in alberta
"the origin of matter"
"the lovers"... nice name.
so much to explore!
"to each rock its magma"
not too busy either!
the mineral display cases looked like vending machings
hmmm... which one should be buy?
lots of pretty shapes & colours
learning is fun!
christopher teaches sam
who knew there were soo many different minerals
in austria, we found rocks that had azurite & malachite (the blue & green rock in the back row)
of course, they we not as impressive
interesting geometric shapes.
these look like shells to me.
more minerals.
ok, I don't know what else to put for captions... so for the rest of the page... just enjoy the photos!
did you know?
weloganite, a carbonat of zirconium, is a very rare mineral. it was named in honour of William e. logan, who was the first director of the geological survey of canada. it occurs at only three places in the world: in the now-closed francon quarry, in quebec, where it was first discovered; at mont saint-hilaire, quebec; and in the pilanesberg complex in south africa.
menu generic photos of the grounds and building
|