Curator David Maynard and mineralogist Andrew Tuma with the large piece of flourite and dolomite with pyrite. Picture: Scott Gelston.

Harry Murtough, QVMAG showcase rare minerals and crystals in preparation for exhibition, The Examiner, 16 November 2018

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery will be unveiling rarely seen crystals and minerals at the Launceston Gem and Mineral Show this weekend.

The showcase features a number of rare rocks from across the state.

“Tasmania has a very old mining heritage and history,” mineralogist Andrew Tuma said.

“What’s quite interesting is most of the specimens I’ve picked out here were probably brought out of the earth over 100 years ago.”

Most of the rocks being displayed have never been seen by the public.

One particular standout and favourite specimen of Mr Tuma is a large chunk of flourite from Cleveland Mine in Luina.

“Often people come in and say my father or my grandfather worked at these locations, so there’s a very long link,” Mr Tuma said.

QVMAG natural sciences curator David Maynard said the exhibition is set to be open in February 2019.

“It’s [the minerals] been locked away for decades a we’re trying to change that now because there is a community want to see their collection,” Mr Maynard said.

Mr Tuma will be at the mineral show all weekend to share his knowledge with visitors.