Earth formed as part of our solar system more than 4.5 billion years ago. It has been shaped by powerful geologic forces over its entire history and will continue to change for billions of years to come. Societies depend on Earth’s vast mineral and energy resources and on a climate that allows life to flourish.
In the Mineral Galleries at the Peabody, you can learn more about the Solar System, how minerals are formed, gems and jewelry, and the history of mineralogy at Yale. David Friend Hall, the largest gallery, features artistic presentations of remarkable minerals from around the world.
Click to expand images below.
Quartz sandstone concretion
The undulating shape of sandstone concretions in the Fontainebleau quartz sand deposits southeast of Paris, France have for centuries fascinated humans.
![The Rocket](https://peabody.yale.edu/sites/default/files/page-content/2025-06/5K7A0422_web_AM.jpg "<strong>"The Rocket"</strong><br /><span>At 3.5 feet (107 centimeters) and 300 pounds (136 kilograms), this tourmaline-group mineral is the largest and most spectacular found in Brazil’s Bambúrro mineral pocket. On loan from the Yampol Family and The Mineral Trust</span>")
"The Rocket"
At 3.5 feet (107 centimeters) and 300 pounds (136 kilograms), this tourmaline-group mineral is the largest and most spectacular found in Brazil’s Bambúrro mineral pocket.
On loan from the Yampol Family and The Mineral Trust
Fulgurite
This 13-foot (4-meter) sand tube formed in an instant when lightning struck Miller's Beach on Congamond Lakes in Connecticut in 1949.
![Fluorescent Minerals](https://peabody.yale.edu/sites/default/files/page-content/2025-06/Fritz-YPMfluorescentCase-FullViewAllWaves_3k_AM_edit_crop_xl.jpg "<strong>Fluorescent Minerals</strong><br /><span>These mineral specimens erupt in a riot of color when exposed to ultraviolet (aka black) "light."</span>")
Fluorescent Minerals
These mineral specimens erupt in a riot of color when exposed to ultraviolet (aka black) "light."
Cora Miller Bequest Case
The array of semiprecious and precious stones in the Cora Miller Bequest Case displays a spectrum of colors from purple quartz (amethyst) to fiery opal.
Photo credit: Andy Melien / Yale Peabody Museum unless otherwise noted.
"Fluorescent Minerals": credit: Harold Moritz