Wooden Crystal Models - Orthorhombic
Geology, Mineralogy, and Crystallography
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
These crystal models are composed of a lightly colored Pearwood. Each model is precisely shaped with correct angles to illustrate various examples of seven different groups of crystal structures: isometric, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic/trigonal, and twins. Some have been carefully sanded to represent natural curvature of face edges. Because each individual model is unique, the length varies from 3 to 7 centimeters, the width varies from 2 to 7 centimeters, and each has a unique weight. Some have identification numbers carved into them, which pertains to their original kit number given by the manufacturer. Some have hand written numbers in black ink on their flat faces, which identify the name of the crystal they represent.
<h2>Functional Description</h2>
These wooden crystal models were created as educational tools. The intent is to aid in the naming and identification of crystals by type. Each category of models is labeled in a separate box at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. These models are still in use today at Michigan Technological University.<br /><br />Dr. <span>Friedrich</span> Krantz developed a <em>Rheinisches Mineralien-Kontor </em>("Rheinish mineral office") established by his uncle, <span>Adam August Krantz, in 1833 into the world leader for making paper and wooden crystallographic models. </span>The firm won numerous prizes at international expositions for the firm's exacting work and eventually had nearly 1,000 different mineral crystals to purchase.
Savannah de Luca
c. 1910
For forther infomration, see the <a href="http://www.mineralogy.eu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virtual Museum of the History of Mineralogy's</a> page on <span><a href="http://www.mineralogy.eu/models.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early Crystal Models</a> and </span>on pamphlets of the myriad models by Krantz at <a href="http://www.mineralogy.eu/models/archive_Krantz.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span>Krantz Wooden Crystal Models.</span></a>
English
Physical object
Agate Mortar and Pestle (1/3)
Mineralogy, Geology, Chemistry
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Physical Description</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There are three unique agate mortar and pestles at A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. The largest mortar measures three centimeters in diameter at the base, while the matching pestle measures five centimeters in length. This mortar and pestle set is a light brown color with translucent areas. The pestle is lighter than the mortar. Both are cut from agate, which gives the set a marbled and inconsistent color pattern. The mortar is a rounded bowl on the inside, but the outside edges form an octagonal shape. Each end of the pestle is rounded; one end of the pestle is smaller in diameter than the other by four and one half centimeters.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Functional Description</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The mortar and pestle has been used in laboratories for centuries for grinding and crushing various substances. This mortar and pestle is still in use for grinding powders for X-ray diffraction. The mortar is shaped like a bowl in order to hold a certain amount of the substance to be ground. The pestle is then used to mash and grind the substance in the bowl until the desired consistency is reached. The agate mortar and pestle is used in circumstances where cross contamination must be avoided. This is because agate is one of the finest, most non-porous natural materials available for a grinding surface. Bacteria, contaminants, and other particles cannot penetrate the material. </span></p>
Savannah de Luca
n/a
Physical object
Agate Mortar and Pestle (3/3)
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
There are three unique agate mortar and pestles at A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. The smallest mortar measures two centimeters in diameter at the base, while the matching pestle measures four centimeters in length. This mortar and pestle set is creamy white and orange–brown colored, with translucent areas. The pestle has a large diameter of eight millimeters, when compared to the other mortar and pestles. Both are cut from agate, which gives the set a marbled and inconsistent color pattern. The mortar is a rounded bowl on the inside, but the outside edges form an octagonal shape. Each end of the pestle is rounded; one end of the pestle is smaller in diameter than the other by four and one half centimeters.
<h2>Functional Description</h2>
The mortar and pestle has been used in laboratories for centuries for grinding and crushing various substances. This mortar and pestle is still in use for grinding powders for X-Ray diffraction. The mortar is shaped like a bowl in order to hold a certain amount of the substance to be ground. The pestle is then used to mash and grind the substance in the bowl until the desired consistency is reached. The agate mortar and pestle is used in circumstances where cross contamination must be avoided. This is because agate is one of the finest, most non-porous natural materials available for a grinding surface. Bacteria, contaminants, and other particles cannot penetrate the material.
Savannah de Luca
n/a
Physical object
Agate Mortar and Pestle (2/3)
Mineralogy
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
There are three unique agate mortar and pestles at A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. The second largest mortar measures two and one half centimeters in diameter at the base, while the matching pestle measures five centimeters in length. This mortar and pestle set is light pink and white colored with translucent areas. The pestle is a brown-orange at the ends. Both are cut from agate, which gives the set a marbled and inconsistent color pattern. The mortar is a rounded bowl on the inside, but the outside edges form an octagonal shape. Each end of the pestle is rounded; one end of the pestle is smaller in diameter than the other by four centimeters.
<h2>Functional Description</h2>
The mortar and pestle has been used in laboratories for centuries for grinding and crushing various substances. This mortar and pestle is still in use for grinding powders for X-Ray diffraction. The mortar is shaped like a bowl in order to hold a certain amount of the substance to be ground. The pestle is then used to mash and grind the substance in the bowl until the desired consistency is reached. The agate mortar and pestle is used in circumstances where cross contamination must be avoided. This is because agate is one of the finest, most non-porous natural materials available for a grinding surface. Bacteria, contaminants, and other particles cannot penetrate the material.
Savannah de Luca
n/a
Physical object
Michigan Mining School Petrographic Slides
Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography
<p><strong>Physical Description</strong>: Two light-colored pine boxes with no cover or top feature slots for 36 individual glass microscope slides. The boxes do have empty spaces and they are glued together. There is no hardware on either box. The slides display thin rock sections from the US Educational Series of Rock Specimens. Each slide has two labels attached to the glass; on one label is a typed font reading: “MICHIGAN MINING SCHOOL. NO.___ NAME: LOC:” and on the other label, in hand-written ink, reads the name, number location of the specific mineral. The glue that holds the slides to the mineral specimen is decaying and causing discoloration to the slides.</p>
<p><strong>Functional Description</strong>: The glass slides contains a mineral to be examined at a microscopic level. Slides were used to press thin strips of minerals flat and hold them easily for examination. The slide containing the mineral was placed and secured, and then the microscope is adjusted for viewing.</p>
Savannah de Luca and Steven A. Walton
c. 1890 (before 1901)
English
Physical object
none
United States
Richter Drafting Set
Surveying, Architecture
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
This Richter drafting set has an original wooden case covered in a thin black leather and shaped with brass wire. The top of the case is stamped in gold with a company logo reading: “Pracision|E.O. Richter & Co; Arctic Coal Company|Spitzbergen”. The brass bar-lock is functioning. The blue velvet interior provides a space for each individual steel drafting tool. There are 12 spaces on the interior and only 11 instruments remain. The steel instruments each have a unique function in this drafting set, but they are all characterized by small screws and wheels that easily facilitate precise and small adjustments. This set contains a various compasses, pens and extra lead, and other attachments. Some tools display very small company logos. <br /><h2>Functional Description</h2>
This drafting set includes a compass, divider, ruling pens, screwdriver, spare parts, and replaceable needle points and extensions. Engineers, architects, and artists used these tools for creating precise drawings and layouts of various types. Arcs, straight lines, and circles can all be precisely created through the use of each individual tool. Today, drafting sets and tools are still used, but the introduction of CAD (<span>computer-aided design and drafting) has somewhat replaced the art form of design with drafting tools. </span>
Savannah de Luca
c. 1900
For a similar see, see the one <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1214582" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catalogued</a> at the NMAH at the Smithsonian.
English
Physical object
ST 372
Wooden Crystal Models - Tetrahedral
Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
These crystal models are composed of a lightly colored Pearwood. Each model is precisely shaped with correct angles to illustrate various examples of seven different groups of crystal structures: isometric, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic/trigonal, and twins. Some have been carefully sanded to represent natural curvature of face edges. Because each individual model is unique, the length varies from 3 to 7 centimeters, the width varies from 2 to 7 centimeters, and each has a unique weight. Some have identification numbers carved into them, which pertains to their original kit number given by the manufacturer. Some have hand written numbers in black ink on their flat faces, which identify the name of the crystal they represent.
<h2>Functional Description</h2>
These wooden crystal models were created as educational tools. The intent is to aid in the naming and identification of crystals by type. Each category of models is labeled in a separate box at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. These models are still in use today at Michigan Technological University.
Savannah de Luca
c. 1910
English
Physical object
none
Wooden Crystal Models - Hexagonal
Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
These crystal models are composed of a lightly colored Pearwood. Each model is precisely shaped with correct angles to illustrate various examples of seven different groups of crystal structures: isometric, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic/trigonal, and twins. Some have been carefully sanded to represent natural curvature of face edges. Because each individual model is unique, the length varies from 3 to 7 centimeters, the width varies from 2 to 7 centimeters, and each has a unique weight. Some have identification numbers carved into them, which pertains to their original kit number given by the manufacturer. Some have hand written numbers in black ink on their flat faces, which identify the name of the crystal they represent. <br /><h2>Functional Description</h2>
These wooden crystal models were created as educational tools. The intent is to aid in the naming and identification of crystals by type. Each category of models is labeled in a separate box at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. These models are still in use today at Michigan Technological University.
Savannah de Luca
c. 1910
English
Physical object
none
Wooden Crystal Models - Twins
Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
These crystal models are composed of a lightly colored Pearwood. Each model is precisely shaped with correct angles to illustrate various examples of seven different groups of crystal structures: isometric, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic/trigonal, and twins. Some have been carefully sanded to represent natural curvature of face edges. Because each individual model is unique, the length varies from 3 to 7 centimeters, the width varies from 2 to 7 centimeters, and each has a unique weight. Some have identification numbers carved into them, which pertains to their original kit number given by the manufacturer. Some have hand written numbers in black ink on their flat faces, which identify the name of the crystal they represent.<br /><h2>Functional Description</h2>
These wooden crystal models were created as educational tools. The intent is to aid in the naming and identification of crystals by type. Each category of models is labeled in a separate box at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. These models are still in use today at Michigan Technological University.
Savannah de Luca
c. 1910
English
Physical object
none
Wooden Crystal Models - Monoclinic/Triclinic
Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography
<h2>Physical Description</h2>
These crystal models are composed of a lightly colored Pearwood. Each model is precisely shaped with correct angles to illustrate various examples of seven different groups of crystal structures: isometric, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic/trigonal, and twins. Some have been carefully sanded to represent natural curvature of face edges. Because each individual model is unique, the length varies from 3 to 7 centimeters, the width varies from 2 to 7 centimeters, and each has a unique weight. Some have identification numbers carved into them, which pertains to their original kit number given by the manufacturer. Some have hand written numbers in black ink on their flat faces, which identify the name of the crystal they represent.
<h2>Functional Description</h2>
These wooden crystal models were created as educational tools. The intent is to aid in the naming and identification of crystals by type. Each category of models is labeled in a separate box at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. These models are still in use today at Michigan Technological University.
Savannah de Luca
c. 1910
English
Physical object
none