What makes a metal precious? And how is pyrite, or "fools gold," different from the real thing? Test your investigation skills while you visit the Halls of Minerals and Gems.

Investigate the symbolism of gold and other precious metals in South American societies during your visit to the Museum.

Can you tell how much gold is in a natural specimen just by looking at it? And how does a region's access to gold shape how it is used? Test your investigation skills while you visit the GOLD exhibit.

Can you tell the difference between an Emmy award and an Olympic medal? Test your knowledge of gold-plated objects. Then find out more about gold!

Did you know miners must dig up and process as many as 30 tons of rock to make a single gold ring? Take a dazzling look at how gold is mined and transformed.

Did you know that all of the mined gold in the world could easily fit inside your school's gym? Find out what it takes to turn this precious metal into trophies and jewelry.

What do gold, diamonds, and jade have in common? Find out with a virtual trip to the American Museum of Natural History and other gold-plated destinations.

Investigate gold to learn why 24-karats is the mark of purity with this virtual trip to the American Museum of Natural History. Then dig up facts about jade and diamonds.

Mundo Shamundo! With the help of these magic words, the Amazing Mundo can literally reverse the sands of time. Watch him transform worldly objects ... back into rocks in this fun comic strip.

Every rock has a story to tell—and clues to offer about Earth's history. Meet six specimens that have traveled to the AMNH from places as close as the Catskill Mountains and as far away as outer space.

Jade has been used by people around the world for thousands of years—first to make tools, later to create precious works of art. Take a peek into mineralogist George Harlow's scrapbook to see why he thinks this rock is so special.

No matter where you find mineral salt—on your table or at the beach—you'll see its unique cube-shaped crystals. Take a sweet look at the crystal patterns and compositions of minerals.

Tour Earth's dynamic, 4.5-billion-year story. You'll see continents drift, mountains build, oceans form, glaciers slice through rock—and how the museum has brought these events and more to life.

Did you know that 80 percent of the diamonds mined each year are used for industry, not jewelry? Or that diamonds are mined on most continents? Take a close-up look at this "king of gems."

Some volcanoes slowly ooze magma while others explode with immense power. Yet all volcanic eruptions begin in the magma chamber. Meet a scientist who has created a model chamber in his lab.

That change jangling in your pocket is more than money—it's a record of where and when you live. Find out why coins are valuable clues for archaeologists. Then, design your perfect coin.

For thousands of years, the native peoples of North America have made extraordinary jewelry and other adornments. Examine their work, which reflects the continuity and vitality of their many cultures.

Jade has been used by people around the world for thousands of years—first to make tools, later to create precious works of art. Take a peek into mineralogist George Harlow's scrapbook to see why he thinks this rock is so special.

Petra was built by Arabian nomads who became very rich as desert traders. But why did these nomadic merchants decide to settle down in one place? Explore the mystery while strolling through Petra's ruins.

It's your turn to do archaeology! As you investigate what daily life was like in the Inca empire, you have the chance to collect Inca chronicles. Do you have what it takes to collect all six?

This collection of artifacts from the continent of Africa was started in 1869, the same year the museum opened. Today, it contains more than 38,000 objects that you can view online.

Search our collection of more than 58,000 Asian artifacts to find everything from abacuses to zithers. Even if an object is not currently on display, you can see it online anytime.

Every Native American cultural region in North America is represented in this artifact collection, making it an irreplaceable national treasure. Browse the more than 50,000 artifacts online.

What is the gold standard? How does an alloy differ from a compound? And what happens when a metal tarnishes? Find out with this glossary from "alloy" to "volume."

Experience the California Gold Rush. Examine gold in its pure and refined forms. And find out how gold has shaped civilizations throughout history.

How does gold form and what does it take to extract it from the earth? You'll find everything from colorful field guides to tales about the quest for gold in this list of kid-friendly titles.

Explore the McLaughlin gold mine in Northern California. See the first metal coins, which were created in the Middle East around 600 BC. And investigate the properties of gold.