The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon, houses a world-class collection recognized as the finest in the Pacific Northwest and one of the finest in the United States. The Museum building, originally constructed as the private residence of Richard and Helen Rice, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architectural style, natural stonework, and the extraordinary native Oregon woodwork found throughout the building.
One of the displays in the Museum looks at different kinds of rocks.
Igneous
Igneous rock, whose name indicates fire, is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Shown below are some of the igneous rocks which are on display.
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition and cementation of that material at the Earth’s surface and within bodies of water. The processes that cause mineral and/or organic particles to settle in place is known as sedimentation. Shown below are some of the sedimentary rocks which are on display.
Metamorphic
When a rock—igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic—is exposed to heat (temperatures greater than 150 to 200°C) and pressure (1500 bars), profound physical and/or chemical change occurs creating metamorphic rock. Shown below are some of the metamorphic rocks which are on display.
More Rock and Mineral Museum Photo Tours
Agate Gallery: Polyhedroid Agates (Photo Diary)
Northwest Mineral Gallery: Washington Quartz (Photo Diary)
Rock Museum: Some Minerals from Brazil (Photo Diary)
Rock Museum: Some Chinese Minerals (Photo Diary)
Mineralogy: Chrystal Habit (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Gems and Minerals as Art (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: California Gems and Minerals (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Hixon Gem Vault (Photo Diary)