Mineral Museum

If you would like to see a fantastic mineral collection or need advice on where to look for our own mineral specimens in the Butte area, the Mineral Museum on the Montana Tech campus is the place to visit. The museum charges no admission fees.

Over 1,300 specimens are on display from around the world in the Museum building, including exhibits specifically devoted to Butte and Montana minerals and the area's mining history. Included in the collection is the 27.49-ounce gold nugget found in 1989 in the Highland Mountains south of Butte and a 400-pound smoky quartz crystal also from the area. Butte's rich mining history is exhibited through an impressive array of fine-quality mineral specimens from the underground mines. The Fluorescent Room, always a favorite, contains ordinary earth-toned minerals that radiate vibrant shades of pink, orange or blue when exposed to ultraviolet light. The Earthquake Studies Laboratory is situated in the Museum with operating seismographs for visitors to see.

There are several places in the Butte area for 'rock hounds' to look for mineral specimens. Also inquire about sapphire collecting opportunities in the surrounding area. The Mineral Museum curator and assistants are generally available to provide detailed instructions on locations and restrictions. A small gift shop is also open, where visitors may purchase reading materials or mineral specimens.