Mineral Museum - Butte

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.

https://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/MineralMuseum/main.asp#gsc.tab=0
jfoley@mtech.edu

Mailing Address
Not Available

Street Address
1300 West Park Street
Butte,  MT 59701

Phone: 406-496-4414
Fax: 406-496-4451

Located on the Montana Tech. Campus. At the Montana Street exit off I-15/I-90, proceed north on Montana Street to Park Street. Then turn west on Park street and drive up the hill to the Montana Tech. Campus. Follow the signs to the parking area on the southwest corner of the campus. The Mineral Museum is situated on the second floor of the Museum building.

Season
All Year

Hours
June 15 - September 15
Daily: 9:00am - 5:00pm
September 16 - June 14
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Payments
American Express, Cash, Discover, Master Card, Personal Check (In State), Personal Check (Out Of State), Travelers Checks, Visa

Reservations
Group Reservations Required, Walk-Ins Welcome

Books, Gift Shop, Handicapped Accessible, Merchandise, Parking, Public Restroom

Education, Exhibit, History, Museum