Colorado State Museum By: Ethel F. McCarthy Chief Clerk; Colorado Commissioner of Mines The mineral collection of the State Bureau of Mines originated through the efforts of the various Exposition Commissions. Material was assembled by them to illustrate the mineral resources of Colorado and ultimately these collections were turned over to the Bureau of Mines. The purchase of the Elsner collection added further to the exhibit. For the last twenty years the mineral exhibit has been dependent upon gifts from mining men and people interested in the mining industry. At the present time the number of specimens totals over 10,000. A complete catalogue of the specimens has been prepared as to species, donors, counties, mines and localities. The collection has a great deal of educational value. Classes from various schools in Denver and throughout the state visit the Museum yearly or oftener and many of the children show intense interest. Various club groups also study the minerals. Boys and girls, as well as some adults, start their collections from small duplicate specimens given them in the Museum. By making this collection we are able to perpetuate the history of mining in Colorado. As an advertising feature the Museum is important since over 50,000 people look over the exhibit yearly. These visitors come from every state in the Union and most of them are surprised at the number of ores and minerals that can be produced from Colorado mines and quarries. The collection is a great attraction and constantly growing in popularity. Appreciation of the value of the collection is increasing among mining and scientific men. The Bureau of Mines has often been called upon to supply definite information concerning types of ore from certain mines. Since the new exhibits of present day operations have been added, many mining men have visited the Museum. The commercial ores on exhibition from every section of the state afford a good idea of the character of the ores found in Colorado. Prospectors have brought in material for comparison and we find that they are particularly interested in the county cases which contain ores and minerals from various Colorado counties. Three very fine individual collections are now on display—two of these being gifts to the Museum. Several new gold specimens have been received—one from the Philippines, one free gold from Clear Creek County and two showing free gold and argentite. Mercury samples from a new find in Colorado have been secured. Several government agencies have given us very helpful assistance in donating new species of minerals. A number of rare minerals have been presented for purchase, but we are not in a position financially to buy these. A few hundred dollars would enable us to make purchases of specimens which now go to some other state. The exhibit occupies three large rooms on the second floor of the Museum building. The middle room contains cases showing gold, silver, lead, copper and zinc ores, and also fluorspar and agates. A replica of the Pueblo Mineral Palace is shown in a special case. It contains small pieces of gold, silver, lead, copper and zinc, and various Colorado gems. The base and roof are native silver. It is of intricate design and we understand it took over two years to complete the model. It was presented to the Museum by the Women's Club of Pueblo and was displayed at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. Metals and minerals were donated by gold and silver mines of the state and the smelting companies of Pueblo. A cast of a silver nugget found in the Mollie Gibson mine at Aspen Colorado, attracts a good deal of attention. The nugget weighed 387 pounds and coined $6,630.00. The east room contains a number of cases of nonmetallics and rock-making minerals. A very interesting feature, and one which has proven very popular, is the new case of pegmatite dike minerals. The west room has the Colorado Scientific Society display which contains a number of rare Colorado and other minerals. This room also contains cases of molybdenum, manganese, nickel, and carnotite ores, as well as a special San Juan County ore cabinet. There are 32 county cases which contain ores, minerals, and rocks from various Colorado mining counties. In addition to the cases there are several drawers of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks which may be studied for purposes of comparison. A great deal of attention has been given to the Museum during the last ten months. About eight hundred specimens have been added and we have six new cases. Two of the cases contain new exhibits of ores, minerals and concentrates from some of the larger operations in Colorado. Pictures and flow sheets accompany these displays. The Commissioner of Mines and the four inspectors during their visits to the operating metal mines, quarries, mills and smelters, often secure samples of ores and minerals which are placed in the collection for display. For the Museum to remain up to date, constant additions must be made and we would appreciate receiving ores from mines, prospects and new developments. Gift certificates signed by the Governor and the Commissioner of Mines are sent out to donors of specimens. We ask for the further cooperation of the mining men of Colorado in obtaining specimens and increasing the quantity and quality of those we already have. The Museum is located at 14th Avenue and Sherman Street, Denver, and is open to visitors every week day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Saturday when it is open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Mrs. Mary Piper is in charge of the exhibits and is always ready and willing to aid visitors. Mines Magazine January 1945