Explore minerals in Austin & online
How to learn more about Minerals in Austin
If you are interested in finding out more about minerals, and want to see some spectacular specimens locally, or perhaps you want to start collecting or purchasing minerals, read on:
Austin Community College: In Austin, some of the best places to view collectable and stunning samples of minerals are at Austin's schools of higher learning. Most of the ACC campuses display stunning specimens of world class mineral and rock specimens in the science wings or near the geology lab. Many of these specimens were donated to the college by Allan R. Standen, an active professional geologist and benefactor who is well known for his outreach activities.
Small "dogtooth" and large scalenohedron Calcite (CaCO3) specimen collected in Travis County and currently on display at Wheaton College, Illinois.
This large specimen is 9in x 13in x 7in tall and weighs over 25 lbs (see U.S. quarter for scale)Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin: In the Geological Sciences Building (JGB) at 2305 SPEEDWAY, AUSTIN, TX 78712 on the UT campus there are displays with stunning specimens on every floor. Many of the best are part of the large and fabulous Colonel E.M. Barron Collection, a small sample of which is shared virtually online (see below). Another comprehensive collection at JGB was donated by Glenn and Martha Vargas, a couple who literally wrote the book(s) on how to facet gemstones ("Faceting for Amateurs", ISBN-13 : 978-0917646010) and who taught students how to facet at the University of Texas for years. Their collection is also shared online but these specimen photographs are not as compelling as the Barron photographs (link below). Finally, the McIver Agate Collection includes some of the finest polished Balmorhea Blue Agate specimens that the photographer has ever seen (above, and below).
Texas Memorial Museum: Specimens from all these collections and more are also on display at the Texas Memorial Museum. Austin's first science museum, it has a stellar meteorite exhibit and a breathtaking fossil collection, many collected in Texas by survey geologists or professors. This museum is also located on the University of Texas campus but it is easy to find with a parking garage right next door (directions below).
Well-formed prismatic Topaz crystal from Mason County, TX in the Barron Collection, at Univ. of Texas. Topaz is the state gem of Texas, and this specimen actually circled the earth on one of the early Apollo missions.
Collecting Minerals around Austin
Minerals and rocks have been collected, cherished and traded since early man started hunting and gathering. Perhaps you are interested in searching for some specimens yourself.
Albite (sodium-rich plagioclase) crystals and Muscovite, found in the Badu Hill pegmatite, Llano county, Texas.
Some really interesting minerals can be found in Travis County, including Calcite, Strontianite, Celestite, Pyrite and geodes, but you have to know where to look. Even more exotic minerals and rocks are associated with the Precambrian Igneous and Metamorphic rocks of the Llano uplift, especially in the exposed pegmatites. Pictures of some fine local specimens can be seen by clicking on the "Texas minerals organized by county link" below. A frustrating problem with collecting in Texas is that public land is scarce, and landowners can get upset if you dig up things on their private property; collecting in most state and national parks is prohibited. One solution is to join a local club and connect with people who know the local area and can negotiate access to private property.
The Austin Gem and Mineral Society
The local Austin Gem and Mineral Society (AGMS) meets on the 4th Thursday of every month and features a guest speaker; members offer newcomers a number of lapidary and faceting classes, and the club schedules field trips for collecting interesting specimens several times per year. Each fall, the club hosts a three day gem and mineral show, where dealers from around the country sell specimens, gems, and related equipment and members display interesting collections. In addition, AGMS owns a nice building which houses a well-stocked library of books and magazines about minerals, a full rock shop with saws, lapidary wheels, and faceting equipment. Members teach a wide variety of classes on jewelry making, gem cutting and cabochon polishing (links below).
Gadolinite (Y), a Berylium Yttrium Rare Earth Mineral, from the original Baringer Hill prospect, which is now covered by Lake Buchanon, Llano County, Texas. This sample is a "thumbnail" specimen, 1.75 x 1.25 x .75 inches.
Examples of microcrystalline Quartz, called "Balmorhea Blue Agate", collected in Reeves County, Texas, part of McIver Agate Collection, at the Jackson School of Geosciences, the University of Texas at Austin.