The Maple Ridge Museum is shining a spotlight on the natural beauty hidden beneath the earth’s surface with its newest exhibit, Legendary Lapidary. Featuring an impressive collection of gemstones, crystals, and minerals, the exhibit aims to dazzle visitors and prove that rocks can, indeed, rock.
Officially opened to the public this week, Legendary Lapidary showcases dozens of rare and colourful specimens, each carefully curated to highlight the geological diversity found both locally and globally. From sparkling amethysts to shimmering opals, the collection offers something for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers.
“This exhibit is about more than just pretty stones,” said museum curator Lisa Hernandez. “It’s about the incredible history and science behind how these minerals are formed, their cultural significance, and the way they’ve fascinated humanity for centuries.”
Highlights of the exhibit include a large piece of British Columbian jade, a rare blue fluorite from Spain, and a display dedicated to birthstones and their folklore. Interactive elements have also been included to engage younger visitors, such as a hands-on rock identification station and a UV light display that reveals the hidden glow in certain minerals.
The exhibit was put together with the help of local geologists, rockhounding enthusiasts, and private collectors who loaned pieces from their personal collections.
“We wanted to make this exhibit accessible and exciting,” Hernandez added. “There’s a story behind every stone.”
Legendary Lapidary will run at the Maple Ridge Museum through the fall, with special weekend workshops and guided tours planned throughout the exhibit’s duration.