An exhibit displaying the diversity of minerals on earth and throughout the solar system is open at the UNL State Museum through Nov. 30, 2013.
Curated by Matt Joeckel—a professor in the Conservation and Survey Division of the School of Natural Resources—the “Minerals and Meteorites” display includes a large walk-though model of quartz, a black-light room showcasing fluorescent minerals, and several meteorites that have never been publicly viewed until now. Other rare specimens include an 800-pound amethyst cathedral pair, a 350-pound smoky quartz cluster, and the 165-pound Bayard Meteorite.
The colorful exhibit also explains the chemical structures and properties of minerals, and how they affect daily lives. For more photos and information about the exhibit visit http://museum.unl.edu/exhibits/mineralsmeteorites/.
Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine streets on the UNL City Campus. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular admission is $6 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $13 for families (up to two adults and children).
UNL staff, faculty, and students are admitted free with NU ID. Friends of the Museum are also free with valid membership card. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free in front of the museum. For more information, visit http://www.museum.unl.edu. For more information on Mueller Planetarium, visit http://www.spacelaser.com.