Vale Earth Gallery
  1. Home>
  2. Plan Your Visit>
  3. What to See and Do>
  4. Our Exhibitions>
  5. Vale Earth Gallery
Text: Vale Earth Gallery. Mineral specimens: Mesolite on apophyllite (CMNMC 80724), quartz (variety: jasper) and magnetite (CMNR 239), wulfenite (CMNMC 56681), hemimorphite (CMNMC 38217). Silver (CMNMC 38567).

Michael Bainbridge © Canadian Museum of Nature

Close.
  • Bookmark and Share.

Vale Earth Gallery

A gold sculpture of two maple leaves set with 1350 precious stones.

Closed Temporarily

Aug. 19 – Nov. 30, 2012

The Vale Earth Gallery closes in autumn 2012 for enlargement. More impressive minerals coming soon!

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.

The Vale Earth Gallery offers 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 are 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 ready to dazzle!

A specimen of microcline (variety: amazonite). Catalogue: CMNMC 37537.

Michael Bainbridge © Michael Bainbridge

Close.

Regular microcline is used with other minerals to make porcelain. This variety of microline, amazonite, is used mainly as a decorative polished stone. Catalogue: CMNMC 37537.

A specimen of elbaite (variety: verdelite) and quartz. Catalogue: CMNMC 40992.

Michael Bainbridge © Michael Bainbridge

Close.

Of all the tourmalines, elbaite is the one most commonly used as a gemstone. Because it is a bit softer than many conventional gemstones, it isn't as popular as some, such as emerald or ruby. This specimen comprises a variety of elbaite called verdelite (green), and quartz (white). Catalogue: CMNMC 40992.