BELLE FOURCHE—An action-packed, fun-filled Family Fun Day discovering “The Science and Beauty of Crystals” was held at the Tri-State Museum on the afternoon of April 19.
The turnout was robust, with 34 people showing up to learn about crystals. The afternoon began with a video explaining just what a crystal is—solid material where the atoms gather together and create a neat, organized structure. Some examples were given: diamonds, salt, pencil lead (graphite) and amethyst. In other materials like plastic and concrete, the atoms are just jumbled up, not in a special order.
Following the video, Jean Maher, Assistant Director, explained to the attendees the craft they were going to do. She distributed handouts and take-home packets. The first project was to discover what is inside of a geode. Everyone lined up to get his or her own geode and a Ziploc bag.
Then the activity moved outdoors, where Jada Udager, Collections Archivist, was waiting to help each person crack open his or her geode and discover the crystals inside. After placing their rock inside the Ziploc bag, they next used a hammer to crack open the rock, discovering beautiful crystals inside. A few of the rocks wouldn’t crack open; the solid ones are called nodules and are filled with quartz. They simply turned them in for a new hollow one that would break open much easier.
After the crystals were exposed, the kids and adults went back inside the museum to complete their craft projects. They were to draw anything they wanted on black paper and then glue crystals to the outline to make a shiny, beautiful picture.
Grandmas, aunts and moms pitched in to help the younger kids complete the project, adding to the family fun atmosphere.
Lemonade, cupcakes, cookies and taffy were all available to enjoy. For a special treat, Udager handed out small cups of rock candy, made by Red Onion Marketplace, for the kids to enjoy.
All kids in attendance are eligible to win a book each month. This month, the book Gems for Kids by Lee Hall and Ashley Hall was given away. The lucky winner was Dinah Ramos.
The Tri-State Museum offers Family Fun Days on the third Sunday of every month. The next one will be about Birds and Bird Feeders on May 17, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m. It is free to those who have a membership and $2 for everyone else.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
