American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Brazil's Mineral Treasures (Exhibition)
birth: 1944 August 2
death: 1944 November 1
Exhibition. Opened August 2, 1944 and closed November 1, 1944. Located in the Grand Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History. "Brazil's Mineral Treasures" featured Tantalite ore, the rare "black gold" of strategic war minerals and the source of tough, tantalum metal.
Summary
"Brazil's Mineral Treasures" featured Tantalite ore, the rare "black gold" of strategic war minerals and the source of tough, tantalum metal. Since 1941 Brazil made its entire tantalite output available to the United States for war purposes. Tantalum was used in secret weapons, electronic instruments, synthetic rubber processes and plastic surgery. Examples of other critical war minerals from Brazil such as beryl, quartz and tourmaline crystals, tungsten and zirconium oxide ores were also included in the collection. In peacetime quartz, tourmaline, beryl and aquamarine were valued as semi-precious gemstones. A new Brazilian gem stone, chrysoprase, was also shown. The specimens were obtained by Frederick Pough, Chairman and Curator of the Museum's Department of Geology and Mineralogy during a survey of Brazilian mining areas. The exhibition was on view in the main 77th Street Foyer at the American Museum of Natural History from August 2 until November 1, 1944.
Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Frederick Pough, Chairman and Curator of the AMNH Department of Geology and Mineralogy; AMNH Department of Special Exhibitions.