About Us

The University of Minnesota is fortunate to own a world class mineral collection. Housed within Tate Hall, the University's mineral collection consists of over 7000 specimens, many of which are museum quality. The collection was started in the 1850s immediately after the founding of the University itself. Many of the specimens come from pioneering mineralogists such as Newton H. Winchell and George F. Kunz. Samples in our collection originate from all corners of the world. A small fraction of the most eye-catching samples are on public display within the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences in Tate Hall, but the vast majority of the collection is housed in locked metal cabinets, which means that the collection receives very little use by students and researchers. This website aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of the mineral collection by documenting all of the specimens. This mineral collection is meant to be an active tool for teaching, research, and natural history outreach.

We're still in the early stages of production, so feedback about using and improving the site is appreciated! Click the "Contact Us" tab to find our contact information. 

earth science lab