THE Xinjiang Geology and Minerals Museum, located in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has officially opened its doors to the public. This state-of-the-art institution boasts an impressive collection of more than 12,000 specimens, featuring a diverse array of minerals, rare rocks, and exquisitely preserved fossilized plants and animals. According to museum officials, the extensive collection is designed to cover multiple scientific fields. These include Earth system science, the origins of paleontology, the historical evolution of Xinjiang’s unique geology and landforms, as well as the region’s distinctive and valuable geological heritage. A major highlight of the museum is its innovative smart core storage facility. Recognized as the first automated core repository in Northwest China, it is equipped with an internationally advanced automated storage management system, ensuring both the preservation and efficient study of geological samples. Among the standout exhibits is a massive 33-tonne iron meteorite. This extraordinary celestial object was discovered in 1898 in Qinghe County and is primarily composed of iron and nickel, along with six distinct cosmic minerals. Another notable exhibit is the “dog-head gold” nugget — a piece of natural gold weighing 51.2 grams and remarkably shaped like a small dog’s head. It was discovered by a local farmer in the Altun Mountains in 1984 and has a purity between 80% and 85%, with minor quartz impurities adding to its unique character. Yu Jianning, deputy director of Xinjiang’s natural resources department, emphasized the museum’s broader mission. He stated that the facility will not only serve as a professional venue for displaying Xinjiang’s rich mineral resources and significant geological achievements but will also act as an important platform for public science education and international academic exchange. The museum is expected to become a key cultural and scientific landmark, promoting greater awareness and appreciation of Earth sciences among visitors from around the world. (SD-Agencies) | 