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The Rausch Mineral Gallery

A unique collection of more than 250 rocks and minerals located on a university campus.

Amherst, Massachusetts

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Amalia Wompa
What happens when you press “the button.”   Amalia Wompa / Atlas Obscura User
Part of the extensive collection.   Amalia Wompa / Atlas Obscura User
Hemimorphite ‘Druzy’ crystal, Rausch Mineral Gallery.   Amalia Wompa / Atlas Obscura User
Exploring the collection of meticulously arrayed rocks and minerals.   Amalia Wompa / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Morrill Science Center on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus is a massive rock and mineral collection truly unique to the region. 

The one-room gallery is home to over 250 rock and mineral specimens donated by Dr. Marvin Rausch, a now-deceased UMass chemistry professor who taught from 1963 to 2001.

Known internationally for his work, Rausch began collecting his specimens when he was still in high school. The minerals within this gallery are bright and fluorescent, their natural beauty highlighted in the dim room. 

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Universities Minerals Rocks

Know Before You Go

Opening hours are consistent with class times, so visitors are asked to refrain from being disruptive.  Please contact the Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences, 413-545-2286, if you'd like to arrange to view the gallery when classes are not in session.

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Added By

Amalia Wompa

Edited By

jlmilford

Published

March 4, 2023

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