Virtual Museum of Geology Traveling Display
The Virtual Museum of Geology's Traveling Display is currently at:
Elm Grove Public Library (October & November 2024)
13600 Juneau Blvd., Elm Grove, WI 53122
*This display is a highlight of minerals from around the world, and a selection of fossils from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.
About the Virtual Museum of Geology's Traveling Educational Display
The Virtual Museum of Geology's Traveling display consists of a selection of geological specimens representing the wonders of the natural world. The display, which has been traveling for over 7 years, gives viewers a further understanding of mineral varieties, the creation of fossils, inspires the hobby of geological collecting as well as introducing other geology topics.
The general display highlights various minerals of differing colors, shapes, crystal forms, sizes and rarity, as well as fossils from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.
Additionally, some displays may also include one or more of the following add-on sections:
- Cut Gemstones
- Meteorites and other Space Rocks
- Mineral Fakes and Laboratory-grown Specimens
- Fossil Highlights (Rare and unusual specimens including Insects In Amber, Woolly Mammoth Hair, Dinosaur Eggs and more.)
Venues interested in hosting the Virtual Museum of Geology's Traveling Geology Display should contact us.
Requirements include an appropriately-sized locking display case and lighting, or a nearby electrical outlet available for our lighting.
Venues where the display has been hosted include:
Muskego Public Library, Hales Corners Public Library, Kenosha Northside Library, New Berlin Library, Racine Public Library, Lake Geneva Public Library, West Bend Community Memorial Library, Sun Prairie Public Library, Burlington Library, Matheson Memorial Library, Cedarburg History Museum.
The general display highlights various minerals of differing colors, shapes, crystal forms, sizes and rarity, as well as fossils from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.
Additionally, some displays may also include one or more of the following add-on sections:
- Cut Gemstones
- Meteorites and other Space Rocks
- Mineral Fakes and Laboratory-grown Specimens
- Fossil Highlights (Rare and unusual specimens including Insects In Amber, Woolly Mammoth Hair, Dinosaur Eggs and more.)
Venues interested in hosting the Virtual Museum of Geology's Traveling Geology Display should contact us.
Requirements include an appropriately-sized locking display case and lighting, or a nearby electrical outlet available for our lighting.
Venues where the display has been hosted include:
Muskego Public Library, Hales Corners Public Library, Kenosha Northside Library, New Berlin Library, Racine Public Library, Lake Geneva Public Library, West Bend Community Memorial Library, Sun Prairie Public Library, Burlington Library, Matheson Memorial Library, Cedarburg History Museum.
Burlington Public Library
Cedarburg History Museum
McHenry Public Library District - 2023
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Burlington Public Library
Cedarburg History Museum
Burlington Public Library
McHenry Public Library District - 2023
McHenry Public Library District - 2023
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Cedarburg History Museum
Burlington Public Library
Cedarburg History Museum
McHenry Public Library District - 2023
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Additional information on selected specimens in the Virtual Museum of Geology Traveling Display:
(Some of the below specimens may not be exhibited at all of the venues.)
1. CREEDITE - Mexico
This mineral generally forms from the oxidation of fluorite ore deposits, where at times bits of fluorite can actually still be seen on creedite specimens. Radiating sprays of fine translucent to transparent prismatic crystals are very fragile. Until the rather recent discovery of creedite in the Navidad Mine in Durango, Mexico (where this specimen is from), this mineral was fairly hard to obtain for a mineral collection. Although violet creedite is the more common mineral color to be found, specimens such as this one from the Navidad Mine tend to be transparent to bright orange. On display here is an intergrowth of multiple connected "floater balls" of creedite.
2. APOPHYLLITE ON CHALCEDONY - Nasik, IndiaThe mineral apophyllite refers to a class of phyllosilicate minerals that are secondarily formed in volcanic rocks. Three sub-classes of "apophyllite minerals" exist. The most-common of the apophyllite minerals (Fluorapophyllite) is shown in this display specimen. Notice the large transparent to white crystals. Some contain a hint of green.
Zeolites, another mineral group that form in similar environments to apophyllite, are commonly found on samples of this mineral. The mineral stilbite, which is included in the zeolite mineral group, is also on display. Stilbite, known for it's pearly peach to pink luster, is often found with apophyllite. Cavansite, although not in the zeolite group, is also often found with apophyllite. Cavansite is a very popular mineral for collectors due to it's electric blue color, although it tends to be one of the more rare and expense additions to a collection. An example of the mineral cavansite is on display also. |
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3. HEMIMORPHITE - Mapimi, Durango, MexicoThis mineral most-commonly forms crystal crusts and layers (called the microcrystalline globular form) , although this spectacular specimen showcases the second well-crystallized form of the mineral, a spray of clear prismatic crystals. The Ojuela Mine in Mexico where this example is from is well-known for some of the best collectible pieces of hemimorphite available on the market. Beautiful to look at, but one of the more difficult specimens to transport for display.
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4. JELLYFISH - MAZON CREEK - Braidwood, IllinoisA lagerstatte is a sedimentary deposit that exhibits exceptional preservation of fossilized organisms or traces, sometimes including preserved soft tissue. It is generally very rare to find soft tissue fossilized, although the Mazon Creek area southwest of Chicago, Illinois is one of those spectacular geological places where one can actually find a multitude of soft-bodied organisms preserved. This large jellyfish fossil is one example. Additionally, a wide variety of other fossils found in the Mazon Creek give us all a glimpse into what life looked like in the Carboniferous coal forests and swamps of the area about 280 million years ago. A fern (pecopteris sp.) and shrimp fossil are also here on display from the Mazon Creek. Encased in iron concretions, these important fossils can be found in the collections of most large natural history museums world-wide.
Mazon Creek fossils are still collected in the field today by professional scientists as well as amateur collectors, although most collection sites have been picked over and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find medium to large specimens. These jellyfish, shrimp and fern examples were collected in the 1950's when it was still fairly easy to find nice well-preserved specimens in mine spoil heaps / dump piles. |
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5. THULITE - Waterloo, WisconsinThulite, sometimes called rosaline, is a crystalline pink mineral. The pink color is caused by the element manganese. Sometimes used as a minor gemstone or for carving material, thulite is one of a host of minerals found in the zoisite mineral family. Another well-known zoisite gemstone mineral for which thulite is related to is tanzanite.
This specimen was found with many others by a young amateur rock collector in 2015 in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Prior to this specific find, thulite was not known to have existed in the state. This is a great example of how not only professional scientists, but also amateur collectors can make great finds and add to our scientific knowledge. |
6. CALCITE "ICELAND SPAR" - Nuevo Leon, MexicoIceland Spar is a transparent, specialized form of the mineral calcite. It's known for it's ability to polarize light and refract the waves at different angles, causing a "double image" when objects are looked at through the mineral. This mineral easily divides into rhombohedral pieces. Note the light cleavage plain in the middle of the sample displayed. Originally mined in Iceland (where it's name is derived), great specimens are now also found in Mexico and New Mexico.
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7. BLACK TOURMALINE QUARTZ - Minas Gerais, BrazilOn display is a large sample of black tourmalated quartz. Notice the black needles of tourmaline within the transparent quart matrix. At high temperatures and pressure, both minerals are in a liquid state and mix together. As they cool and the pressure decreases, the minerals separate and form crystals, during which time the tourmaline needles are trapped within the quartz, becoming inclusions.
Tourmaline quartz is often used for jewelry where it is cut into cabochons to better show off the inclusions. |
8. CHALCANTHITE & COPPER SULFATE -Here are examples of essentially the same mineral in two forms. Copper Sulfate is a secondary mineral formed through the oxidation of copper sulfides. It's easy to grow in a laboratory and at home. Popular due to the mineral's electric blue color, copper sulfate crystal-growing kits are sometimes even available in science sections of children's stores. The laboratory-grown example on exhibit here displays nice large crystals.
Copper sulfate is extremely soluble in water (meaning that it readily absorbs and releases water) which leads to the disintegration of the mineral over time. As such, natural copper sulfate (called Chalcanthite in the mineral's natural form) is very rare in nature, and generally forms in arid regions and dry caves where there is a lack of humidity. On display here are the fibrous to tabular crystals of the natural form of copper sulfate protruding from the host rock. You might be wondering why these Chalcanthite and Copper Sulfate specimens are enclosed in additional containers... Due to this minerals nature of readily absorbing any water around it, both of these specimens are sealed in containers with desiccant (small white bags in the containers) in order to keep out humidity in the air and help to preserve their crystal structures. Many museums have unfortunately lost their rare specimens of chalcanthite due to lack of proper storing and preservation. We're trying to keep ours rather safe from disintegration :-) Both copper sulfate and chalcanthite are very fragile and poisonous. |
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9. CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOSYes, this is the same asbestos that we have all been warned about on the news and other media. Asbestos was used in many industrial products starting in 1879, and found in most residential and industrial buildings built prior to the year 2000 due to it's fireproof and heat-resistant properties. Asbestos was widely used in the United States and around the world until it was found to be harmful. Some common uses for asbestos included: ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics, vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads, some vermiculite-containing garden products and some talc-containing crayons.
Why can asbestos be dangerous? Note the long, curly asbestos fibers on the specimen on display. When those fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs for a long period of time. Over time and continued exposure, the fibers can accumulate and cause serious health problems. Prolonged and continued exposure to asbestos has also been known to increase the risk to various types of cancers. As such, in 1989 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned all new uses of asbestos, although uses developed before 1989 are still allowed. Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a continual basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact. Six types of asbestos have been identified in two categories. The sample on display is of chrysotile type in the serpentine category, which is the most-commonly used in production and most-widely found in residential homes and industrial buildings. Mineral fibers in this category are curly and more-flexible than in other asbestos types. For safety in transportation and display, this specimen has been sealed in a plastic container. For further information on asbestos: http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet https://www.treatmesothelioma.org/asbestos/ Mesothelioma.net - https://mesothelioma.net/asbestos-cancer/ |
Past locations the exhibit has been displayed at:
Muskego Public Library (Sept. 1 - Oct. 3, 2016)
Hales Corners Library - Hales Corners, WI
Kenosha Public Library (North Side) - Kenosha, WI
New Berlin Public Library - New Berlin, WI
Racine Public Library - Racine, WI (April 2017)
Lake Geneva Public Library - Lake Geneva, WI (October 2018 & March 2019)
Muskego Public Library - Muskego, WI (November 2018)
Sun Prairie Public Library - Sun Prairie, WI
Matheson Memorial Library - Elkhorn, WI (2019)
West Bend Community Memorial Library - West Bend, WI (multiple dates including 2019 & 2022)
Cedarburg History Museum - Cedarburg, WI (February thru March 2023)
Burlington Public Library - Burlington, WI (April 2023)
Salem Community Library - Salem, WI (August 2023)
Public Geology Talk (Salem Community Library) - Monday, August 14, 2023 6:30pm
Public Geology Talk (Hartland Public Library) - Tuesday, September 19, 2023 6:00pm
Oshkosh Public Library - Oshkosh, WI (October & November 2023)
Public Geology Talk (Chicago Rocks & Minerals Society - Skokie, IL) - Saturday, October 14, 2023
McHenry Public Library - McHenry, Illinois (December 2023)
Middleton Public Library - Middleton, WI (January & February 2024)
West Bend Community Memorial Library - West Bend, WI (March thru Mid April 2024)
Public Geology Talk (West Bend Community Memorial Library) - Monday, March 18, 2024 6:30pm
St. Charles Public Library District - St. Charles, IL (June & July 2024)
Public Geology Talk (St. Charles Public Library District) - Tuesday, June 11, 2024 7:00pm
Antioch Public Library District - Antioch, Illinois (August 2024)
Public Geology Talk (Antioch Public Library District) - Wednesday, August 21, 2024 7:00pm
Matheson Memorial Library - Elkhorn, Wisconsin (September 2024)
Public Geology Talk (Matheson Memorial Library) - September 5, 2024 6:00pm
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Elm Grove Public Library - Elm Grove, Wisconsin (October & November 2024)
Public Geology Talk (Elm Grove Public Library) - Wednesday, October 23, 2024 7:00pm
Public Geology Talk (Stoughton Public Library - Stoughton, WI) - Sunday, November 3, 2024 2-3:30pm
Children's Public Geology Program (Lake Geneva Public Library) - Tuesday, December 3, 2024 6pm
Oconomowoc Public Library - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (January 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Oconomowoc Public Library) - date to be determined
Harvard-Diggins Library - Harvard, Illinois (February 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Harvard-Diggins Library) - Monday, February 24, 2025 6:00pm
West Bend Community Memorial Library - West Bend, WI (March 2025)
Public Geology Talk (West Bend Community Memorial Library) - date to be determined
Boone County Museum of History - Belvidere, Illinois (April and May, 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Boone County Museum of History) - Belvidere, Illinois - Saturday, April 5, 1pm
Middleton Public Library - Middleton, WI (June 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Middleton Public Library) - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 6:00pm
Burlington Public Library - Burlington, WI (July 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Burlington Public Library) - Tuesday, July 29 6:00pm
Muskego Public Library - Muskego, WI (August 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Muskego Public Library) - Monday, August 18, 2025 6:30pm
Salem Community Library - Salem, WI (November 2025)
Public Geology Talk (Salem Community Library) - Monday, November 10 6:30pm
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