THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 



The collection numbers more than 2,000 gem stones, ob- 

 jects of precious stone and nearly 2,500 pearls. A partial 

 graduation in importance and value is obtained by the 

 arrangement of the gems beginning with the diamond at 

 the extreme south and passing north case by case, in each 

 instance the raw material or uncut gem being placed in the 

 center of the case and the cut material around it. 



In its entirety the collection is the most extensive and 

 carefully selected display of rough and cut stones in ex- 

 istence, and it must always stand as a wonderful monument 

 to the man who thus generously enriched the American 

 Museum. Proceed to the 



SOUTHWEST WING 



MINERALS 



Adjoining the Gem Hall is the Southwest Wing or Hall 

 of Minerals. 23 At the entrance to the hall is the case con- 

 taining recent acquisitions. The general collection consists 

 in the main of the well-known Bement collection and in- 

 cludes representative species of the known minerals of the 

 world. Although representing a large number of rare spe- 

 cies, the chief fame of the collection rests upon the variety 

 of forms representing the commoner minerals and the ex- 

 ceptional perfection of the specimens. The more attractive 

 specimens are contained in the cases arranged down the 



23 The Collection of Minerals .05. 

 119 



