Treasures of the Queen: The Amazing Minerals and Mysteries of Bisbee

Mineral

By University Communications February 5, 2010

Gem Show Exhibit Highlights Rarely Seen Bisbee Minerals, Period Clothing, Photographs

The University of Arizona will mark the 56th Tucson Gem and Mineral Show this February with a celebration of historic Bisbee and an exhibition of rare Bisbee minerals at  UA's Flandrau Science Center and Mineral Museum.  The exhibit, "Treasures of the Queen: The Amazing Minerals and Mystery of Bisbee, Arizona," will run from Saturday, February 6, through May 31, 2010.

The special exhibition will highlight Bisbee's colorful culture as Arizona's booming, bustling "Little San Fran" mining town. Join us to view extraordinary minerals from the 1893 Chicago World Fair, minerals from private collections that have never been on public display, and other artifacts and period clothing that will trace Bisbee's rich history and pivotal role in Arizona's journey to statehood.

Visitors will be treated to a large, rare, colorful cuprite (pronounced "KYOO-prahyt") - its brilliance exceeding that of diamonds - as well as beautiful azurite (AZH-uh-rahyt) and malachite (MAL-uh-kahyt) specimens, among others. The exhibit will also tell about Bisbee's amazing caves and cave formations. "Treasures of the Queen" is made possible by a generous gift from the Freeport McMoRan Foundation and includes an exhibit of textiles and artifacts from 1880 through the 1940s.

The exhibit will be on display upstairs from the UA Mineral Museum, in the Galaxy Room of the science center. During the exhibition, the main gallery of Flandrau science exhibits and the science store will be open during regular business hours, offering unique science and mineral related books, games, toys and clothing.

Beginning February 6, Flandrau Science Center will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. School groups can reserve Thursday and Friday morning field trips for a nominal fee by completing the online reservation form.

For more information about the exhibit, directions and parking, call (520) 621-4516 or visit the Science Center's website.

 

Et Cetera

  • What | Gem Show Exhibit Highlights Rarely Seen Bisbee Minerals, Period Clothing, Photographs
  • When | Saturday, February 6, through May 31, 2010. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Where | UA's Flandrau Science Center and Mineral Museum
  • Extra Info Cost:

    Children under the age of four: Free

    Children 4 to 15 years old: $5

    Adults (16 and older): $7.50

    CatCard holders: $2 off admission