In this episode, Campus Voices host Richard Gordon, and Lisa Sawicki of WVUD’s Science Rocks, were on location at the university’s Mineralogical Museum. Located in Penny Hall, the museum displays countless mineral specimens, each with a fascinating story to tell. Sharon Fitzgerald, curator of the Mineralogical Museum, walked us through the science and history of this gallery’s impressive collection.

We learned the reason behind azurite’s vibrant blue, how minerals retain their geometric shapes, and other fun scientific facts. Sharon also talks about past attitudes towards mineral collecting, and delves into the history of the museum’s permanent collection.

The Mineralogical Museum is open every week, Wednesday – Sunday. We also encourage you to visit the other University Museums galleries, located in Old College and Mechanical Hall.

Listen to the interview

Sharon Fitzgerald, curator, UD Mineralogical Museum
29:59
28.8MB