Walking into the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, the first exhibit that catches the visitor’s eyes are the geodes placed at the entrance of the hall. Turning to the right of the hall are a display of minerals and mineral stories. Here, the description plaques and the minerals on display juxtapose each other. The light reflects off the surfaces of the minerals creating a colorful and eye-catching visual presentation while the plaques detail the gruesome environmental and health effects of mining.
The geological landscape of Mogok Valley in Central Myanmar has made the location a fertile breeding ground for many high-quality gemstones. Unfortunately, Myanmar miners who harvest the gems earn very little profit despite working in life threatening conditions with minimal safety equipment. The cost of labor is low in Myanmar therefore the military—who has a strong grip on gem trade—has never implemented complete mechanized operations in mining. When gem-bearing sediments are extracted from below the ground, workers use baskets to sift through the gravel in search for precious stones in high-pressure water.
Gems and other precious stones are used as artistic mediums; jewelry crafted from these gems are worn by aristocrats and have become a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Jade extracted from large boulders are carved into sculptures and accessories that are emblematic of Eastern Asian culture. It is unfortunate that jewelry which is an identifier of history and culture came into existence at such a high cost.
Within the room of Minerals and Lights stood the Sterling Hill Slab, a slab of rock from Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg, New Jersey. The mine was in operation for 136 years beginning in 1850 and produced 11 million tons of unexpectedly rich zinc core. The fluorescent minerals within the rock were found completely by accidently. When the electrons in the minerals are exposed to ultraviolet light, the minerals release light and appear to be a different color. The museum currently displays the Sterling Hill Slab under changing lighting to illustrate the varying appearance of the minerals.
