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Library 		Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
Phoenix
June 2, 2007
by Beth Baumert
Six of us braved the heat and torn-up roads of downtown Phoenix to visit the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum: Brian C., Michael H., Joe M., Brian T., Dana T., and Beth B.

It was well worth the trip!

It was heavenly to be in a room full of minerals, many of which are found in Arizona. This state is truly a geology paradise. 		wheels
We’re big wheels at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum.
wheels
I wonder how it tastes with whipped cream? 		It’s amazing to see so many different types of quartz (SiO2) and also how many different forms the elements can assume when oxidized or combined into other types of compounds. Some minerals with copper are blue (azurite) whereas others are green (malachite), although copper metal is reddish-brownish. Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of Cu and Al. I liked the pink manganese carbonate (MnCO3), which is called rhodochrosite (“rose-colored”). Minerals with vanadium are red.
Joe
We’ve found a bonanza, right here.
It was interesting to see many of the minerals growing as dendrites and some as rose shapes (such as the gypsum I bought in the gift shop). Some of the minerals are luminescent. There were meteorites on display as well as some semi-precious stones such as opals and jade. In addition, there were geodes, petrified wood, and “meals” of rocks. The shapes and varieties of the minerals are fascinating.

I bought a whole collection, including birefringent calcite, for less than $7 in the gift shop! I was ecstatic.

I highly recommend this museum. It was a fun outing with a nice group of people.
Photos courtesy of Michael Humphrey.
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updated May 5, 2018