Crystallised gold ‘Dragon’ on display at Natural History Museum

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May 2, 2025
2 min read

Crystallised gold ‘Dragon’ on display at Natural History Museum

A rare crystallised gold specimen, aptly nicknamed the Dragon, has made its UK debut at the Natural History Museum in London. This extraordinary piece, renowned for its intricate gold crystal formations, is considered one of the finest mineral treasures globally. On loan from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Dragon is now showcased in the museum’s recently refurbished Vault gallery.

Discovered by miners using metal detectors to carefully extract the crystallised gold dragon from an underground mine, the Dragon’s well-formed crystals and dragon-like appearance make it a standout exhibit. Its placement in the Vault allows visitors to appreciate its beauty alongside other remarkable specimens, such as the Aurora Pyramid of Hope, a collection of 296 coloured diamonds, and the Devonshire Emerald, one of the largest and most richly coloured emeralds ever found.

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The Dragon replaces the Winchcombe meteorite, which is set to feature in the museum’s upcoming exhibition, Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? opening on 16^th May 2025. This transition offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of our planet’s geology before venturing into the mysteries of space.

For those interested in the natural world’s marvels, the Dragon’s display is a must-see. Its presence underscores the museum’s commitment to bringing rare and significant specimens to the public.

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