The Mercer County District
Library would like to invite your school district to come and visit our
Langsdon Rock and Mineral Collection.
This collection was donated by local business owners, Mr. and Mrs. Ron
and Ruth Langsdon in 2006. Our library
has developed a unique earth science field trip opportunity for students to
discover hands on the science of rocks and minerals. Minerals from all over the
world are on display. Many of the
specimens are newly discovered minerals from recently opened mines in India,
China, and Pakistan. Other specimens are
from historic mining areas, which are now closed to collectors. Beautiful examples of pyrite, galena, quartz,
tourmaline, and rhodochrosite are in the collection.
In a classroom setting, each
participant is given a mineral kit with twenty minerals in sand and a gold
miner’s pan. Participants search for
each mineral by color, shape, and texture.
They also learn the history of the mineral, the mineral’s use in
industry, the mineral’s crystal make up, and the mineral’s origin. After the class,
participants are taken to the display cases and asked to apply what they have
learned by answering questions from a worksheet. A desert rose mineral and chocolate coin are
given to everyone as a reward for their participation. These field trips are about one hour and a
half in length.
We at the library hope you
take advantage of this fun, educational and unique exhibit that is located in
your own backyard. Enclosed is our
brochure of the Langsdon Rock and Mineral Collection and an educator information
binder that contains detailed information about the field trip experience. This collection is open during library
hours. If you have any questions or
would like to schedule a field trip, please give us a call.
Contact: Minerals@MercerLibrary.org
Tours