The museum is a granite built converted school, which our clients bought in 1981 to house their extensive collection. Over the years, many internal and external renovations have been carried out including the building of the “Crystal Cave”, audio visual room/lounge, exhibition halls/display areas, gift shop and exhibition workshop, to turn it into one of the finest museums of its type in the UK. In 2003 the old tea room was extended which increased its capacity and it is now a popular haunt for many locals as well as the tourists visiting the museum. The property is presented extremely well internally and externally and over the years has won various accolades through Visit Scotland, including 4 stars. In 1991/1992 a large and airy apartment was added to the upper floor at which time the whole building was also re-roofed.
Internal Details
Office/Reception
Welcoming reception with small office to the rear, accessed directly from the car park and leads straight into the museum. From the office, direct access is given to the open glazed workshop and store areas.
Museum (display halls)
The halls introduce the general theme of the museum, with an outstanding collection of minerals, crystals, fossils and gem stones with many rare examples from not just the UK but around the world. These include a 4.5 billion year old meteorite, a fossilised dinosaur egg and the “Maverick” gold nugget which is one of the largest specimens of gold in the UK. These are all presented extremely well within brightly lit display cabinets, strategically placed to allow a free flow through the museum and tell a story of every different piece. A collection of this size and nature is very rare in the UK and has taken many years of time and dedication to gather.
The Crystal Cave
This purpose built cave to the rear allows visitors to explore the minerals and crystals displayed in a realistic setting. Various pieces are displayed around every corner within a dark and atmospheric space, made all the more dramatic by the fluorescent displays in which ordinary looking rock specimens suddenly take on a colourful glow, a phenomenon brought about by the mineral’s natural composition. This sizeable space, however, could lend itself to many other uses, if desired.
Professor’s Study
Located centrally within the museum and accessed from all areas, this Victorian themed study, with ok panelling and magnificent Creetown and Peterhead polished granite fireplace, offers an abundance of geological books, magazines and literature allowing visitors to take time out and read up on their findings. In addition this room doubles as an audio visual presentation room, which will take visitors on a journey of discovery and understanding into the founding fathers of the science. This space lends itself well to private functions and other out of hours bookings.
The “Fire and Stones” auidio-visual presentation, part of the museum experience, illustrates the creation of minerals and gemstones (including Scotland’s only volcanic eruption) and how they are cut, polished and crafted into beautiful works of art.
Exhibition Workshop
The fully equipped jeweller’s workshop is set behind glass just next to the Crystal cave, allowing visitors to see how gems are cut, faceted and polished, then fashioned and set into beautiful pieces of jewellery, which can be sold in the shop. There is also an activity bench for the younger visitors to enjoy and identify different specimens, while watching the jeweller at work.
The Prospectors’ Pantry Tearoom
Extended and developed in 2003 this pleasing tearoom is always open at the same time as the museum and offers a selection of home baking, teas and coffees along with a home cooked food menu to suit all tastes. The tearoom can be accessed directly from the car park or from within the museum, making it popular with the locals and visitors alike. It is not necessary to purchase a museum ticket to use the tearoom and it is mountain biker and walker friendly. Again, very well presented on an open plan basis, with large windows running along one wall. Gem and crystal displays are also located throughout, in keeping with the museum. This space also lends itself well to private functions and other out of hours bookings. It is currently set up with c70 covers but can easily accommodate 100 covers.
Gift Shop
The Gem Rock Shop offers one of the best selections of gemstone jewellery, gifts and collectibles in Scotland including a selection of silver gem set and beaded jewellery, to suit all tastes. The shop also sells a unique selection of gifts and collectibles and the owner, who is a gemmologist and lapidary, can cut, polish and set stones to order too. There is also a large collection of fossils, minerals, crystals and a children’s corner focusing on gem rock gifts. The Gem Rock Shop is also available online at www. gemrock.net
