The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery will be unveiling rarely seen crystals and minerals at the Launceston Gem and Mineral Show this weekend.
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The showcase features a number of rare rocks from across the state.
“Tasmania has a very old mining heritage and history,” mineralogist Andrew Tuma said.
“What’s quite interesting is most of the specimens I’ve picked out here were probably brought out of the earth over 100 years ago.”
“What’s quite interesting is most of the specimens I’ve picked out here were probably brought out of the earth over 100 years ago.”
- Andrew Tuma
Most of the rocks being displayed have never been seen by the public.
One particular standout and favourite specimen of Mr Tuma is a large chunk of flourite from Cleveland Mine in Luina.
“Often people come in and say my father or my grandfather worked at these locations, so there’s a very long link,” Mr Tuma said.
QVMAG natural sciences curator David Maynard said the exhibition is set to be open in February 2019.
“It’s [the minerals] been locked away for decades a we’re trying to change that now because there is a community want to see their collection,” Mr Maynard said.
Mr Tuma will be at the mineral show all weekend to share his knowledge with visitors.
“Andrew is very familiar with our collection,” Mr Maynard said.
The gem and mineral show will be on November 17-18 at the Elphin Sports Centre.
