New Mexico Mineral Symposium — Abstracts

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History had its groundbreaking ceremonies on November 8th in Albuquerque. The museum has space planned for a mineral exhibit, affording mineral enthusiasts of New Mexico a rare opportunity to help plan a mineral display from "ground zero".

Presently, two areas are allocated for mineral-related displays: a general mineral display and the Naturalist Center.

The proposed general displays will be organized around the theme of mining districts, displaying the various ore and gangue minerals from selected districts in a context of the human interaction with minerals. While the minerals and their natural beauty will be the main theme, a small bit of human history will help tie together the natural mineral associations. This type of display is designed to draw and hold the interest of the average person; one without extensive knowledge of chemistry or geology. The geology and chemistry of the ore deposits will be woven into the display for those who are interested.

The Naturalist Center, sponsored in part by the Junior League of Albuquerque, will contain animal, plant, and mineral specimens in an informal setting that will encourage visitors to experiment and find out about minerals from first