WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Congressman Bruce Westerman, R-AR4, attended the unveiling of the Berns Quartz in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the largest quartz crystal specimen ever to go on public display. It weighs more than 8,000 pounds and stands six and one half feet tall.
The quartz was discovered at the Coleman Mine in Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains in 2016.
"It is great to have a little piece of Arkansas in Washington, D.C. where visitors from all over the world can see the beauty of Arkansas and learn more about all our state has to offer," said Westerman. "I am honored to witness the unveiling of such a magnificent specimen found right in our backyard. Arkansas is truly blessed with incredible resources. I know I speak for every Arkansan when I say I am so grateful to live in the Natural State!"
The Berns Quartz is among the largest examples of quartz specimens on display in any museum in America. The gigantic cluster of thousands of sparkling crystals stands in the front gallery at the Smithsonian, adjacent to the museum's historic north entrance.
It is named the Berns Quartz in recognition of Michael and Tricia Berns, whose philanthropic support brought the specimen into the museum's collection.