Hillman Hall showcases a grand new entrance and the Wertz Hall of Jewelry and Gems, a new signature exhibit area dedicated to gems, the crystals from which they come, and jewelry comprised of these precious stones. These pieces will come from the museum's collection, many which have never been on permanent display, loans from private individuals, gemstone vendors, and traveling exhibits from other museum collections.

The new Wertz Gallery: Gems and Jewelry is a 2,000 square foot addition to Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems dedicated to gems, the crystals from which they come, and jewelry comprised of these precious stones. Wertz Gallery is named in honor of Ronald W. Wertz, longtime president of the Hillman Foundation. The creation of Wertz Gallery is part of the year–long expansion and renovation of Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, which first opened in 1980, and which presents and exhibits minerals in the manner of sculpture, showing them for their beauty as well as their physical properties and industrial uses.

The original Hillman Hall did display gems and jewelry but often on a temporary basis. The expanded Wertz Gallery gives the collection its own space and many new gems and pieces of jewelry that have never been on exhibit will be on display. Approximately 500 gems, crystals, jewelry and other pieces of gem art will be on display in the permanent collection of Wertz Gallery. In addition, Wertz Gallery will also host special temporary and traveling exhibits from collectors around the world.

From table salt to diamond rings and computer chips, minerals are part of our everyday existence. Hillman Hall of Minerals & Gems unleashes the spectacular beauty of the mineral world. A jewel box of lush colors, wondrous forms, and striking contrasts, the hall showcases more than 1,300 minerals and gems from all over the world. New acquisitions are added to the collection on an ongoing basis. This breathtaking exhibition hall is the culmination of the science, beauty, and history of minerals.

Pennsylvania's mineralogical diversity is the subject of another group of exhibits. This section presents information on coal and other minerals that have been important to the state's economic development. Some of the finest minerals found in Pennsylvania are exhibited. The story of the Pittsburgh steel industry is told in the exhibit "The Minerals That Made Pittsburgh."

Many specimens from the collection of W. W. Jefferis, a nineteenth century mineral collector from West Chester, Pennsylvania, are on exhibit throughout the hall. See how his collection impacted our exhibits in the History of Hillman Hall.

Watch and listen as a Geiger counter measures the level of radioactivity, the property of some materials to emit radiation in the form of energy and subatomic particles, in four sample minerals.

Step into the Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Room to witness how ultraviolet radiation causes minerals to glow with different colors and listen to the audio guide that directs the amazing light show.

See the miniature world of minerals as a microscope examines a number of samples, or touch a gigantic piece of "float" copper.

Watch and listen as the formation of Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks is explained.

Hillman Hall has gained an international reputation as one of the finest and most important mineral exhibits in the country. The current collection is built around private collections purchased or donated over the Museum's history.

Every year since 1987, the Carnegie Mineralogical Award is given to an individual or group to honor their outstanding contributions in mineralogical preservation, conservation, and education that match ideals advanced in Hillman Hall of Minerals & Gems.

There is a permanent Birthstone exhibit in the Wertz Gallery of Gems and Jewelry, an expansion of Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems which opened on Sept. 28, 2007.

Only eight meteorites have been found in Pennsylvania - five iron meteorites and three stony meteorites. In 1988 portions of all eight were displayed together for the first time in the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. For further information on Pennsylvania's meteorites, click here.

Head, Section of Minerals: Marc Wilson; Collections Assistant: Debra Wilson (412) 622-3391, wilsonm@CarnegieMNH.org