Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, Houston Museum of Natural Science
See a large gem and mineral collection whose named pieces include the 422.66 carat blue sapphire known as the Siren of Serendip, a 2,000 lb amethyst geode and a 3,000 carat topaz crystal.
The visit
Why it is worth the trip
Very large single crystals show the limits of what a deposit can produce, which is the physical reason exceptional sizes command the prices they do.
Before you go
The museum states that admission includes access to all permanent exhibit halls except certain special exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology, and that admission to the permanent exhibits is free on Tuesday evenings from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Check which selections are on show in the Hamill Gallery before travelling, as the main hall is closed for renovation.
Compiled from hmns.org, read on August 16, 2026.
Opening times, seasons and prices change, and we are not the operator. Confirm directly with the venue before travelling. We take no commission on any visit.