Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems

Hillman Hall is a mineralogy exhibition at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh featuring over 1,300 specimens from around the world. These minerals and gems are arranged in specially lit display cases across different galleries to showcase their variety and properties.

The collection began in 1896 with 550 specimens donated by Professor Gustave Guttenberg, then grew significantly when Andrew Carnegie purchased 12,000 additional specimens in 1904. This major acquisition transformed the museum's mineral collection into one of the most important in the United States.

The Pennsylvania section displays minerals that tell the story of the state's mining heritage and natural geology. Visitors can see specimens that connect to the region's industrial past and landscape.

Visitors can examine mineral specimens closely using interactive displays, ultraviolet light demonstrations, and tools like microscopes to study their properties. Plan time to explore the different galleries and experience the various lighting effects that reveal different aspects of the specimens.

One of the most striking pieces is a massive copper specimen weighing 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) that shows both its polished and natural surfaces side by side. This dramatic contrast clearly demonstrates how glacial processes shaped and altered the mineral over time.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.44360,-79.95110

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44