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California Bling! opens at County Museum


1/16/2016 - California Bling! opens at County Museum


Exhibit opens: Jan. 16
Photos available

California Bling! Minerals from the Museum Collections opens Saturday, Jan. 16 at the San Bernardino County Museum. The exhibit features a large selection of mineral specimens, most from San Bernardino County and surrounding regions. Many have never before been on public view. The exhibit continues through July 31.

The specimens were selected because they illustrate the wide variety of spectacular minerals found in this area, said Robert E. Reynolds, guest curator for the exhibit. Most of the specimens are crystalline. Amazing as it may seem, they occur naturallythey are not manufactured, and except for some semi-precious stones they are not polished. And crystals dont just happen: they actually grow from chemically rich solutions.

We rarely consider how ubiquitous minerals are in our daily lives, said Museum Director Melissa Russo. Computers, phones, aluminum foil, glass, jewelry, cosmetics, antacids, pencils, and tires are just a few consumer items that industry produces from minerals. Its not an exaggeration to say that minerals are the foundation of our economy and result in millions of jobs, including STEM careers. By delighting visitors with the beauties from the museums extraordinary collection, many of which have never been displayed, we hope that the physically striking qualities of our California Bling! can inspire the young scientist in every child.

The exhibit showcases specimens from San Bernardino County along with selected minerals from northern and southern California and neighboring Arizona and Nevada. The exhibit features gemstones, semi-precious stones, metamorphic minerals, copper and lead specimens, salts, rare boron minerals, and varieties of quartz.

California Bling! Minerals from the Museum Collections and the County Museums other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. California Bling! Minerals from the Museum Collections is included with general admission: $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

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