I thought it would be fun to invite you into the corridors of the geology and mineralogy gallery at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris! Take a trip together from home!
The Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris is an iconic venue for geology, mineralogy and paleontology enthusiasts. This gallery, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the richest in the world in its field.
It houses an impressive collection of minerals, rocks and fossils from the four corners of the globe. These specimens are carefully organized and presented to illustrate the history of the Earth, from its formation to the present day. Visitors can discover the different geological eras, the processes involved in mineral and rock formation, and the evolution of life on our planet through fossils.
Look how beautiful it is!
Plants everywhere!
On the other hand, the weather was very bad and I got caught in the rain…
Without further ado, here are my favorite pieces!
First of all, this superb specimen of tourmaline quartz, found right at the entrance. To give you an idea, this crystal weighs 470kg, or 2,350,000 carats…
It’s not usually a mineral used in jewelry or studied in gemology, but this polymorphite is sublime!
This giant beryl crystal weighs 160kg or… 800,000 carats!
A beautiful calcite showing the decomposition of light!
This superb slice of rhodochrosite.
Beautiful bytrodial malachite in stalagmite format!
Another superb rhodochrosite!
A visual explanation of anyolite or ruby in zoïsite. The ruby slice is clearly visible on the left, followed by the same slice embedded in the zoïsite.
This extremely rare red fluorite (with its smoky quartz on the back).
These staged scenes explain the use of certain minerals in the creation of period paintings!
The reconstruction of Louis XV’s Golden Fleece emblem. Unfortunately stolen in 1792 and lost forever. It’s a shame, because it had been named “most beautiful jewel in the world”. It has been proven that the blue diamond reconstituted here in blue zirconia actually became the Hope, now kept in the USA.
And that’s it for part 1! So, which one did you like best?
Lauréline Colliard FGA
FGA Gemmologist, graduate of London's prestigious Gem-A Academy (and former lead 3D animator in the video game industry). Her focus is on research, the ethics of gemstones and their environmental and social impact, and the protection and education of gemstone buyers and enthusiasts.
