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Upcoming Museum Events:

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December 5,6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27	Planetarium Show - "Mystery of the Christmas Star". Friday shows every hour on the hour beginning at 4 p.m. Last show 7 p.m. Museum open until 8 p.m. Saturday shows every hour on the quarter hour beginning at 1:15 p.m. Last show at 4:15 p.m. Museum open until 5 p.m. Watch Trailers Hourly shows
December 7, 14, 21, 28	Sunday Group Planetarium shows - "Mystery of the Christmas Star" reservations required. More info
December 22, 23, 29, 30	Out of This World Space Adventure (ages 6 -12)
December 24	Museum Closes at 1 p.m.
	Full calendar...

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2006.0.942
Amethyst      
Donor: Unknown

February’s birthstone, amethyst, is the most valuable member of the quartz family. It is found inside geodes and in alluvial deposits all around the world, but primarily in Brazil and Zambia. Amethyst forms from the presence of manganese in clear quartz; the amount of iron in the mineral directly affects the shade of purple. Dark colors of amethyst have been treasured by royalty for centuries and can be traced back to 2,500 B.C. During the 15th century, the French fleur-de-lis brooches could only be worn by the Royal Family during ceremonial occasions. Amethyst is believed to have powers for dreams, healing, peace, love, spirituality, courage, happiness, and protection from thieves.

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