The Mayborn Museum Complex is proud to present the Duval Collection, a world-renowned collection of mineral specimens. Breathtaking examples of turquoise, selenite, native copper, amethyst, and quartz varieties, among many others, will be on display in the Thomas E. and Emilyne Weed Anding Traveling Exhibit Hall of the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center from May 22 through August 14, 2005.

Acquired by the Houston Museum of Natural Science in 2002, the Duval Collection was a gift from the Pennzoil-Quaker State Company with the support of Shell Oil Products US. Assembled under the direction of S.H. Martin of the Duval Mining Corporation, the collection was housed at the top of the Pennzoil Building in Houston for more than two decades prior to being donated to the HMNS.

This exhibit of unprecedented splendor offers visitors the chance to witness specimens from as near as Arkansas and as far as Afghanistan and Zaire. A 1900-pound quartz crystal cluster was found near Hot Springs, Arkansas, while the Kokcha Valley in Afghanistan yielded a dazzling lapis lazuli specimen. A stunning example of green malachite was excavated from Katanga, or the "Copper Crescent," region of Zaire.

These are but a few examples of what visitors will see when they visit the Duval Collection at the Mayborn Museum Complex. Numerous lectures and educational programs are planned to coordinate with the exhibit. The children's summer program, Summer Rocks, has been designed to reflect the exhibit and revolve around an appreciation of nature's minerals and crystals. The museum store has selected a wide array of gem and mineral-related items to appeal to all ages.

Exhibit Ticket Prices:

Adult Museum & Duval Tickets: $8

Senior Museum & Duval Tickets: $7

Child Museum & Duval Tickets: $4

Adult & Senior Duval Exhibit Only: $4

Child Duval Exhibit Only: $2

Mayborn Museum Members admitted free of charge.

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