Brazil's Mineral Treasures (Exhibition)

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Exist Dates

1944 August 2 - 1944 November 1

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract
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.

Sources

    American Museum of Natural History Press Release, August 2, 1944. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

Terms

localDescription
temporary exhibition
localDescription
basic

Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Grand Gallery.
Location of exhibition.

Written by: Roxanne Edwards
Last modified: 2019 January 25


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