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Geology at the Burke


The Burke's mineralogical collection is one of the finest on the Pacific Coast.

The collection contains specimens of every major chemical group, and is particularly rich in silicates, carbonates, halides, and sulfides. A portion of the collection is on display in the Burke Museum galleries.

Northwest Origins: The Geologic History of Washington: online exhibit
An excellent overview of Pacific Northwest geology.

The Big One: online exhibit
We live in earthquake country. The question, say geologists, is not if a big one will occur here, but when. Learn about quake science, tsunamis, and what you can do to prepare.

Birthstones: online feature
Learn about the myths, history, and science of your birthstone gem.

Life and Times of Washington State: permanent exhibit
This hands-on exhibit in the Burke galleries is a passport through the evolution of our state's geology and biology—from 545 million years ago to the present.

People
The Burke's mineralogical collection is managed by the museum's Geology division, which covers paleontology as well as minerals. For contact information, refer to the Paleontology staff directory. The museum's Geology division is associated with UW's Earth and Space Sciences Department and Biology Department.

Quartz amethyst
Photo by Ron Eng

Featured in Geology


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Birthstones: online feature

Learn about the myths, history, and science of your birthstone gem.

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Geological History of WA

An Introduction to the Geologic History of Washington State