MBMG is the acronym for Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Begun in 1901 with about 200 local specimens, the museum now holds over 13,000 specimens, 1000 of which are on display. Though the collection still focuses primarily on geological items related to mining in Montana, it now contains many specimens from around the world, even from outer space. Included in the collection are many fossils, primarily of ancient sea creatures, such as ammonites, nautiloids, even ancient crabs. In one corner of the museum is a dark room for the display of phosphorescent minerals.
Prized specimens from Montana include an outstanding smoky quartz cluster over two feet in diameter, named Rheanna's Star after the daughter of the man who meticulously dug it out of the ground just east of Butte, and an impressive 27.5 troy ounce gold nugget recovered from placer workings in the mountains south of Butte. Pristine polished agate and brilliant blue sapphires from Yogo Gulch (both State gemstones of Montana) and nice examples of the copper, zinc, and manganese ore minerals that transformed Butte into the Richest Hill on Earth are also on display. Azurite and malachite from Bisbee, Arizona, outstanding native copper from Michigan, and remarkable amethyst geodes from Brazil, are only a few examples of specimens collected worldwide that are on display.
We also exhibit ten meteorites that "fell" into our collection over the years, including a large Ni-Fe meteorite found recently in Beaverhead County. Come visit our Mineral Museum and learn about Montana's fascinating geology!
From The Museum
MBMG 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.
From Visit Montana