Gemstones have intrigued man for the last 7,000 years. The first known specimens were from the Quartz family (clear quartz, purple amethyst). The Gillespie’s Historic Diamond exhibit features replicas of such famous (and infamous) diamonds as the Grand-Mogul, the Jubilee, and The Regent. Visitors can discover their birthstone (each month of the year has a different gemstone) as well as a functional faceting exhibit on how minerals and gems are formed into jewelry.

In addition, the collection has specimens from the following groups:

            -Quartz

            -Chrysoberyl

            -Beryl

            -Garnet

            -Topaz

            -Corundum