Rhodochrosite and the "Alma Queen", The "best mineral specimen in the world"

Rhodochrosite and the "Alma Queen", The "best mineral specimen in the world"

Author: Houston Museum of Natural Science February 1, 2025 Duration: 7:08
Rhodochrosite is one of the most breathtaking minerals on Earth, and among connoisseurs, the "Alma Queen" is the most heart-stopping example of ANY mineral specimen yet known to human kind. Let's learn more about rhodochrosite, and the history of the "Alma Queen" proudly displayed in our collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Video Version: https://youtu.be/ATo93ojm-zY

Email: Podcasts@hmns.org

For more information about the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit https://www.hmns.org/

The HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast from the Houston Museum of Natural Science is an invitation to explore the vast and curious collection of over 2.5 million artifacts. This isn't just a tour of exhibits; it's a deep dive into the narratives embedded in everything from imposing dinosaur fossils to the minute beauty of a butterfly's wing. Each episode uses a specific object or a listener's question as a starting point, unraveling tales of natural history, scientific discovery, and human culture. You'll hear from the experts and curators who care for these treasures, gaining insights that connect a single, intricately carved seashell to broader themes in our world. The conversations in this podcast naturally extend beyond the museum's walls, examining how science intersects with our daily lives and shared history. It’s for anyone with a lingering question about how the world works or a simple wonder about the stories waiting inside a museum drawer. Tune in for a thoughtful and accessible blend of science, culture, and education, all sparked by the real objects housed in Houston.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 38

HMNS Beyond Bones Podcast
Podcast Episodes
"Mom, could you fix this victim for an open-casket?" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:58
My sweet mother is a funeral director and world-renowned restorative artist. In this episode, I walk her around our "Death by Natural Causes" exhibit to discuss how she might prepare a few of the victims for an open-cask…
Radioactive Fossils [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:16
Is their any truth to the idea that fossils can be radioactive? Colin Diggins is a paleontologist and our paleontology laboratory manager here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Enjoy the fascinating conversation!…
Minerals & Geology with Alex Ruff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
Scientists can be found everywhere in the museum. Alex Ruff may seem like a mild-mannered Building Manger here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, but he is actually an expert in minerals and geology...with the cre…
Terracotta Warriors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
They march once more, this time to Houston 📍Explore World of the Terracotta Warriors, opening November 14.See ancient China’s unification under Qin Shi Huang brought to life through rare artifacts and stunning craftsmans…
The Science & History of Bourbon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:20
Even if you do not drink it, the science and history behind bourbon is infused with notes of wonder, curiosity, and fascination. Bourbon expert Randy Bruner helps us to get acquainted with its enchanting history, as well…
Ever Wondered How Asteroids Get Their Names? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:15
Have you ever noticed asteroid names and wondered how they came to be? Let's go to the HMNS George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park and talk to astronomer Tracy Knauss to learn all about it...and much more!George Ob…
Let's call this a kind of...Mummification "Orientation" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:24
Kat Havens joins the podcast in our beautiful Hall of Ancient Egypt to discuss the, well, gutwrenching process of mummification!Website: https://www.hmns.org/eMail: Podcasts@HMNS.orgThe smell of a mummy: https://www.scie…
Fennec Foxes & How We Care for Our Animals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:30
(00:00:00) Fennec Foxes & How We Care for Our Animals (00:22:08) In with the Foxes Our new exhibit "Extreme Animals Alive" showcases the superhero-like adaptations of some awesome animals. In this episode, we talk about…