The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' geology collection numbers approximately 7,500 mostly North Carolina specimens. Unusual specimens include meteorites, historic samples from gold mines that closed in the early 1900s, vein quartz and vein quartz with sulfide. The collection also includes specimens from historic corundum and monazite mining operations, as well as radioactive minerals from Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

The collection dates from 1864, when the state of North Carolina appointed its first geologist, Washington Carruthers Kerr, to begin geological surveys of the state. Throughout the latter 1800s and early 1900s the Museum was the repository for samples and data collected by the N.C. Geological Survey. In 1920, the collection gained its first dedicated curator, Harry Davis, who later became Museum director. Recent acquisitions include the entire collection featured in the Museum’s 2005 special exhibit "Treasures Unearthed", purchased and donated by the SAS Institute, and more than 650 faceted gemstones donated by a private faceter.

For loan or other information, please contact Curator of Geology Chris Tacker.

Carolina Geological Society - Educational organization interested in promoting geosciences in North and South Carolina.

Geology of Great Britain - A cool website with rock ID games.

Google Earth - Use this free program to explore landforms.

IRIS Seismic Monitor – Use the seismic monitor developed by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology to track recent earthquakes.

Meteorites - Think you have a meteorite? Information from the Museum on meteorite identification.

Mineralogical Society of America - Information and activities for kids, educators, collectors and professionals, including Ask A Mineralogist.

NC Geological Survey - Site includes maps and aerial photos of North Carolina, information about ordering NCGS publications, NC geology FAQ, and educational information.

PaleoMap Project - Maps and animations of plate motion as far back as 750 Ma. Teachers get a discount on animations and other orders.

Rob's Granite Page - This guy is really into granite! Let Rob introduce you to the natural history of granite, and find out how granite is like ice cream. :-)

Southeastern Federation of Mineralogical Societies - Find local rock, gem and mineral clubs and local shows.

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program - Maps, realtime quake data, resources for kids and teachers, and research and monitoring information.

USGS Home Page - The official site. Provides maps, data, and educational information about geology.