LOS ANGELES, CA.- This winter, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) presents Unearthed: Raw Beauty. This exhibition invites guests into a one-of-a-kind experience featuring some of the largest and rarest mineral specimens ever to be displayed in their natural, uncut form.

“The specimens presented within Unearthed: Raw Beauty are truly magnificent in scale and rarity within the world of minerals,” says Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of NHMLAC. “Large-scale minerals in their uncut, raw state are rarely displayed in exhibitions like this, especially with so many exquisite examples all in one place. This array of exceptional stones and crystals, including many from our own collection, creates an otherworldly experience.”

Not only will Unearthed showcase some of the most spectacular mineral specimens ever discovered, it also reveals the beauty of minerals and crystals in their natural state — with some on view for the very first time. Through an immersive exhibition design, visitors will descend into a world of mystery and wonder to learn about the science behind minerals, crystals, gems, and rocks, emerging with a deeper understanding of the importance and prevalence of minerals in our world.

The amazing collection of all shapes, sizes, and colors of specimens includes everything from enormous crystals that are thicker than a tree trunk to a grouping of extremely rare blue cap tourmalines discovered near San Diego and reunited for the first time. The exhibition features a large collection of California’s mineral treasures, such as a bright pink kunzite, orange spessartine, deep blue benitoite (California’s state gemstone), and a natural gold “flame” (California’s state mineral).

Unearthed also includes other forms of minerals, such as exquisite carvings from China, beautiful jewelry created from rare minerals, a large fossil ammonite that magically comes to life, and massive touchable crystals. The natural magnificence of these spectacular minerals will surely inspire guests’ appreciation for the natural world.

“Unearthed: Raw Beauty showcases minerals as both natural art and scientific discovery,” says Dr. Aaron Celestian, NHM’s Curator of Mineral Sciences. ”These specimens simultaneously captivate visitors’ imaginations through their aesthetic perfection while revealing billions of years of Earth's chemical evolution and inspiring breakthroughs in materials science.”

Unearthed: Raw Beauty opens to the public on December 14, 2025, continues through April 18, 2027, and is included in the price of admission to NHM or free for Members. A VIP reception and press preview will occur on December 12, 2025.

This exhibition was organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in collaboration with the Gallery of Natural Art.