Volcanic glass is the amorphous (uncrystallized) product of rapidly cooling magma. Like all types of glass, it is a state of matter intermediate between the close-packed, highly ordered array of a crystal and the highly disordered array of gas. Volcanic glass can refer to in the interstitial, or matrix, material in an aphanitic (fine grained) volcanic rock or can refer to any of several types of vitreous igneous rocks. Most commonly, it refers to obsidian, a rhyoliticglass with high silica content.

Other types of volcanic glass include: Pumice, Apache tears, Tachylite (also spelled tachylyte), Sideromelane, a less common form tachylyte. Palagonite, Hyaloclastite, a hydrated tuff-like breccia of sideromelane and palagonite. Pele's hair, Pele's tears, tear-like drops of volcanic glass, usually basaltic. Limu o Pele (Pele's seaweed).

-J. Del Toro

Azurite is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. In the early 19th century, it was also known as chessylite after the type locality at Chessy-les-Mines near Lyon, France. In mohs hardness scale its a 3.5 to 4, its a very brittle gem. It was used as a pigment for painting, due to its blue tint it was mistaked for Lapis Lazuli. Once it was mixed with the right materials, such as oils or egg shells, it became a green or a green grey color.

-J. Del Toro

Isn't this dragon egg beautiful? Actually, it isn't a dragon egg. It is a fortunately shaped piece of amethyst. This birthstone of the month of February is a violet variety of quartz. Today it is used for jewelry and decoration. Some people believe that crystals like this have special properties. Amethyst is associated with bonding, confidence, calmness, and open communication, among other things. It is ultimately believed to help with The Intuitive Eye.

FUN FACT: Ancient Greeks called it something that translates into "not drunken". They believed that the stones protect their owner from drunkenness. They would even carve a drinking glass out of them in belief that it would prevent intoxication.

This beautiful rose like rock is made out of Baryte. This rose forms in arid sandy areas such as deserts. In any other area these Baryte Rose would not form. Another interesting fact is that this rock is the state rock of Oklahoma. - H. McEwen

Rose quartz has been used in love rituals and ceremonies for centuries. It’s soft pink hue is the result of both the many, tiny inclusions of pink fibers, within the glassy stone that keep it from being totally transparent, and irradiation. This irradiation is also why rose quartz should be kept out of the sun, so as to not loose its pretty shade. The ancient civilizations of Rome and Assyria were the first to use this crystal as a bead in rose quartz jewelry. To early Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations, rose quartz meaning within a talisman was that of ownership. The Egyptians also believe that the stone could prevent wrinkles and the effects of aging. Greek and Roman myths were the first to attach the symbol of love to the rose quartz meaning. According to the myth, Cupid, the Roman god of desire, or Eros, the Greek god of love, bestowed the gift of love to humans in the form of a rose quartz. Another rose quartz myth tells of the stone receiving its color from the blood Aphrodite spilt in trying to save her dying lover Adonis. Both of the lovers bled over the stone, and its lasting stain is meant to represent eternal love. Later in Ancient Native American cultures, the rose quartz stone meaning was the same. They believed that this love stone could be used in amulets to resolve anger and disappointments, and bring love into the newly harmonized emotions.

-J. Del Toro

Red coral is the name of a red coral that can be found in the ocean, on or near reefs. Coral is sought after to be used as Jewelry or to be used to decorate statues. Since taking actual coral from the oceans kills the plant and causes the destruction of life on reefs it is Illegal to do so. - H. McEwen

This is a bigger piece of Pyrite that you can find in this museum. Probably one of the larger specimens of Pyrite in this museum at all. This Fool's Gold is sure to trick any gold miner who gazes upon it. - H. McEwen

This bluish green tinged rock is called Chrysocolla. It is a partial copper substance that looks closely like turquoise, and because it is more commonly found Jewelers use it. So if you find a piece of jewelry that looks smooth, blue and shiny it is most likely this turquoise substitute. -H. McEwen.

Pyrite, or otherwise known as fool's gold was the bane of many miners during the Gold Rush. The shiny yellow look alike is enough to fool anyone into believing its the real thing, but to a more trained eye, the differences are more noticeable. - H. McEwen

This Silica and Oxygen formed crystal is a beauty to behold. This Crystal is mostly used for jewelry and surprisingly for Chakra healing. People who are into the mystical arts of Chakra healing like to use this crystal because it helps bring balance to the body. So that the body and the mind are singular and working together. - H. McEwen.

The Amethyst has been one of the world's most revered stones for many countries. Found in places like Brazil, Mexico, Africa, Canada, Russia, USA, and Europe. With its stunning, saturated beauty, this stone has a rich history. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used the Amethyst in several different ways. One theory is that the crystal meant luxury. It was highlighted as part of their crowns, scepters and rings. -C. Boettcher

The Sea Lily fossil is Mr. Olsen's favorite rock. The sea Lily fossil comes off the coast of Africa. If you would like to hear Mr. Olsen talk about his favorite rock, click the link. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wzY4IRaq-8

-M. Velazquez