Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
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Address:
1502 W. Washington St
(Northwest corner of 15th Avenue & Washington Street)
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(Northwest corner of 15th Avenue & Washington Street)
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone:
602-771-1611NileGuide Expert tip:
Check out the gift shop, which offers a selection of affordable minerals and rocks.Description:
Arizona owes a lot to its rich history of mining, and the Arizona Mining and Mineral museum commemorates the mining's industry important role in shaping the culture, history, and development of the state. Tracing its origin to the Arizona Fair of 1884, this museum has a long history and impressive collection of over 3,000 minerals, rocks, fossils and mining artifacts. Some highlights include an eight-foot specimen of native copper and a large quartz geode weighing hundreds of pounds. There are also rocks from the moon landing on display. Unfortunately, as of spring 2011, the history of this museum is uncertain due to state budget cuts. Currently, the museum's administration has been handed over to the Arizona State Historical Society, with tentative plans for a new "Centennial" museum in coming years. For now, rock hounds should hurry to visit while the doors are still open.Map:
