Gems and Minerals

Ellen Quillin, founder and first director of the Witte Museum, arranged the first rocks, minerals and gems exhibit in the late 1930s. Inspired by the exhibit, many rock collectors presented their finds to the museum. The initial meeting of the San Antonio Rock and Mineral Society was held at the Witte.

In the 1950s, a larger exhibit was installed featuring the fine crystals and minerals donated by Col. E.M. Barron of El Paso, president of the Southern Gem Mining Company. In 1963, San Antonio jeweler William. N. Capurro donated his collection of precious and semi-precious stones.

“I remember the gems and minerals that were so shiny and sparkled.” Holly Morningstar.