Natures Splendid Bling

I am in West Covina celebrating Christmas with my sister, niece and her children. My friend Cliff is visiting from Carson City. We decided a trip to the Los Angeles Nature History Museum was called for.
There are many wonderful exhibits here, but I particularly enjoyed the spectacular mineral specimens.

Elbaite Tourmaline on Quartz
from San Diego County, CA

Another exquisite Elbaite Tourmaline specimen 

Spessartine, red, and Muscovite, gray, on Microcline
from Pakistan

Selenite, a crystalline form of gypsum,
 from Mexico

4644 Carat Blue Topaz
from Brazil

22.64 Carat Tourmaline
from San Diego County, CA

The Greeks believed Amethyst
 protected you from drunkenness.
Amethyst is quartz containing iron impurities. 

White Calcite crystals on Galena
from Missouri.
Galena is an ore for both Lead and Silver. 

Native Gold from Placer County, CA