In September of 2016, the CSM Geology Museum was gifted $1.75 million worth of gems, minerals, and meteorites from Hilja Herfurth’s estate.
Hilja passed away in June 2016; her husband Gerry, a man who enjoyed and collected many types of minerals, meteorites, and gems, passed away in 1999. The couple had no connection to the CSM Geology Museum, but had previously donated smaller specimens valued at around $400,000.
Hilja was born in Switzerland and was passionate about the opera. She married Los Angeles native Gerald (Gerry) Herfurth in 1966. Gerry was meticulous, labeling every one of his specimens with locations and dates.
Only a small portion of the Herfurth collection is currently displayed in the CSM Geology Museum, but the museum will likely begin to rotate pieces through so that the public can see more of the Herfurth’s beautiful collection.
The CSM Geology Museum is one of the most comprehensive in the state, with over 50,000 specimens in its collection.
Around 1,500 specimens are on display in the museum at any time, and the Herfurth donation added around 800 specimens to that total. Two large vans were needed to transport the 150 boxes of specimens donated by the Herfurths.
Besides the Herfurth collection, the CSM Geology Museum houses Colorado’s two moon rocks, collected on the Apollo 17 mission. It also features many fossils, gorgeous gemstones, UV minerals, meteorites, and an outdoor geological trail. The museum was founded in 1874 and is funded by the CSM Foundation.
The museum’s hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm. Admission is free. Visitors can pay to have a guided tour, but tours must be reserved beforehand.
Stop by to see the new Herfurth collection and the many other beautiful collections housed at CSM’s Geology Museum.
'Geology Museum Gifted Millions Worth of New Gems, Minerals' have 2 comments
January 25, 2017 @ 4:23 am Muhammad Yaqub Shah
MOTIVATING MINERAL SECTOR INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS PEOPLE.
Pakistan Council for Science & Technology has formed a ‘National level’ ‘THINK TANK’ in the mineral sectorfor recommending strategies regarding development Mineral Industry of the Country using technology foresight (TF) process. Most important amongst the TOR items include, review of the current status and issues of the mineral sector and suggest short, medium and long term strategies to be under taken by the Govt. of Pakistan.
As a member of aforementioned Think Tank, development of the Koga Nepheline Syenite of KP Province and other such projects elsewhere in the Country would be my top most recommendation to the Federal Govt. in view of the fact that the present Provincial Govt. in KP is impotent for such type of developments in the mineral sector. For details click: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140801020039-89334668-nepheline-syenite-rock-from-pakistan-a-superior-food-in-a-golden-dish-for-the-glass-and-ceramic-manufacturers?trk=pulse_spock-articles
October 10, 2023 @ 2:31 am sandeeprrb
Sandeep Patodiya, a precious gemstone specialist, it’s remarkable to see the rich diversity of exhibits at the CSM Geology Museum. From moon rocks to fossils, gemstone to meteorites, and an outdoor geological trail, it’s a treasure trove of Earth’s history and beyond. The museum’s long history since 1874, supported by the CSM Foundation, makes it a valuable educational resource for all. 🌍🌠🏞️ #GeologicalWonders