{"title":"Mini Museum","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"space-shuttle-columbia-flown-nose-landing-gear-tire","title":"Space Shuttle Columbia - Flown Nose Landing Gear Tire","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen comes from a mission-flown, Space Shuttle nose landing gear tire which was removed from service after the Space Shuttle Columbia's 13th mission, STS-52. The specimen is encased in an acrylic specimen jar and housed in a 4\" x 3\" x 1\" glass-topped riker box. A small information card is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material is layered (in this case 20-ply) and highly irregular. Our target size is approximately 1x1 cm, but there will be variation in width, length, thickness, and texture. Some specimens may exhibit small metallic bands from the interior of the tire while others may be completely smooth. This makes each specimen absolutely unique.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981178741021,"sku":"80-112-4004-201-36","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shuttle-tire-1000.jpg?v=1747250124"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-challenger-flown-lrsi-tile-fragment","title":"Space Shuttle Challenger - Flown LRSI Tile Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/challenger-tile-front-ii_1024x1024.png?v=1648473877\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card featuring NASA image STS07-32-1702. Taken on June 22, 1983, during STS-7.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Space Shuttle \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChallenger \u003c\/i\u003e(OV-099)\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/i\u003ewas the second of the space shuttles in the program to enter orbit, embarking on its maiden voyage on April 4, 1983. Over the course of its ten missions, the shuttle gathered scientific data, repaired satellites, and brought the first African-American to space, Guion Bluford.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis specimen is a mission-flown tile fragment from the Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. Known as a low-temperature surface insulation tile (LRSI), the tile is comprised of low-density silica. The tiles protected parts of the orbiter exposed to temperatures in excess of 1,200°F and below 0°F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/CHALLENGER-MAIN-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648487637\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Space Shuttle Challenger LRSI Tile with typical NASA scrap tags.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEach tile was unique, specifically designed to meet the exact shape, weight, and temperature resistance required at its location on the craft. NASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this particular tile was removed after the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger’s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e sixth mission (STS-41-G) which flew on October 5, 1984.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/CHALLENGER-DETAIL-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648487728\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Closeup of the reverse side of the tile. The red coating is actually a silicone adhesive called RTV 560. This phenyl methyl silicone is filled with iron oxide, hence the red color. It has high heat conductivity and was used as the main TPS adhesive. You can read more about these adhesives and much more in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ntrs.nasa.gov\/api\/citations\/19950017378\/downloads\/19950017378.pdf\"\u003eNASA Technical Report \"Outgassing Products from Orbiter TPS Materials\"\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt's not unusual to have tiles replaced as they are designed just for this purpose, but \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/35-years-ago-sts-41g-a-flight-of-many-firsts\"\u003eSTS-41-G was unusual\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e as \u003c\/span\u003ea significant number of tiles were damaged during the mission. After careful review, NASA engineers discovered that faulty waterproofing used throughout the Thermal Protection System (TPS) allowed debonding of the tiles. To correct the problem, workers removed and replaced over 4,000 tiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSpecimens measure roughly, 6mmx5mm though variations in shape will occur as the material is rather difficult to cut. A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/CHALLENGER-DETAIL-002_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648485208\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Why yes, we do have an original NASA cafeteria tray at MMHQ. What else would we use for special luncheons?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Handling Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e We have not stabilized this material. So while the silica is not toxic, it \u003cem\u003ewill\u003c\/em\u003e powder under pressure. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eIf you choose to handle the specimen, please do so with extreme care. We also recommend using gloves as the silica will coat your fingers and can be irritating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Challenger (OV-099)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"What are we doing here? We're reaching for the stars.\" ~ Christa McAuliffe (1948-1986) (Source: TIME Magazine February 10, 1986)\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/Space_Shuttle_Challenger__04-04-1983_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648488619\" alt=\"\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/Space_Shuttle_Challenger__04-04-1983_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648488619\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbove: The first launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-6,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApril 4, 1983\u003c\/span\u003e). (Source Department of Defense image DF-SC-84-01865)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with \u003ci\u003eColumbia's\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efinal mission\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/EC82-21135-16x9_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648489691\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Challenger hitches a ride on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), NASA 905. The ferry flight took the orbiter to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its first launch. (NASA Image EC82-21135 July 4, 1982)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs noted above, the Space Shuttle \u003cem\u003eChallenger\u003c\/em\u003e was the second of the space shuttles in the program to enter orbit, embarking on its maiden voyage on April 4, 1983. Over the course of its ten missions, the shuttle gathered scientific data, repaired satellites, and brought the first African-American to space, Guion Bluford. However, despite Challenger’s many achievements, it is remembered in history for its tragic final flight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/sts_51l_crew_photo_s85-44253_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648489429\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/sts_51l_crew_photo_s85-44253_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648489429\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: STS-51L crew members Michael J. Smith, front row left, Francis R. \"Dick\" Scobee, Ronald E. McNair; Ellison S. Onizuka, back row left, S. Christa McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Judith A. Resnik. (NASA Image S85-44253 November, 1985)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn January 28, 1986, Challenger began its final flight (STS-51L), disintegrating 73 seconds after takeoff. The explosion was caused by the failure of O-ring seals in the shuttle’s rocket booster, which allowed pressurized gas to burn through to the booster’s fuel tank. This horrific event ended with the deaths of all onboard crew members, which led to a brief suspension of shuttle flights and an overhaul of both the program itself and NASA’s organizational structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2021, John Uri of the NASA Johnson Space Center posted this touching retrospective of the crew from STS-51L on the 35th anniversary of the disaster. We invite you to read more here: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/35-years-ago-remembering-challenger-and-her-crew\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/35-years-ago-remembering-challenger-and-her-crew\"\u003e\"35 Years Ago: Remembering Challenger and Her Crew\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMcDonald, Allan J., and James R. Hansen. Truth, Lies, and O-rings: inside the space shuttle challenger disaster. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVaughan, Diane. The Challenger launch decision: Risky technology, culture, and deviance at NASA. University of Chicago Press, 1996.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/challenger-tile-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648473904\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981178970397,"sku":"80-112-0221-201-40","price":71.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shutte-challenger-01-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"cape-canaveral-launch-complex-34-firebrick-limited-supply","title":"Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 34 Firebrick - Limited Supply","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first step on humanity’s grand journey across the stars sits on a small sliver of land off the coast of Florida. Here on Cape Canaveral, the first Saturn rocket launches blasted off from NASA's Launch Complex 34, paving the way for Apollo 11's mission to the Moon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of firebrick panel used at Launch Complex 34. The material was used to withstand the incredible energy generated from the Saturn rockets during takeoff. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMaterial on this item is extremely limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen ships in a handsome, glass-topped display case. An informational photo card and a larger specimen card, which serves as a certificate of authenticity, are also included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179265309,"sku":"80-112-0390-201-40","price":79.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/LC-34-Fire-Brick-MAIN-002-3.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"amelia-earhart-vega-5b-red-fabric-limited-supply","title":"Amelia Earhart Vega 5B Red Fabric - Limited Supply","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmelia Earhart was a promising young pilot in 1932, but it was her solo transatlantic flight that brought her from a rising star to a figure of legend. Earhart was the first woman and only second pilot ever to cross the Atlantic alone, following Charles Lindbergh five years before. After a dangerous crossing filled with storms, instrument trouble, and an engine fire, Earhart touched down near Derry, Northern Ireland, instantly becoming an aviation legend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of fabric material from Earhart's \"Little Red Bus,\" the Vega 5B that she used to cross the Atlantic. With her landing in Derry, Earhart became the second person and first woman to cross the ocean flying solo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179199773,"sku":"80-112-0297-201-40","price":159.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/Earhart-MAIN-009.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-columbia-flown-hrsi-tile-fragment","title":"Space Shuttle Columbia - Flown HRSI Tile Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/shuttle-tile-front-sts-1-columbia_704ccdc4-fb91-4764-86fe-ccdfadee61d9_1024x1024.png?v=1646041801\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of the black, reaction cured glass coating of the HRSI Space Shuttle Tile which appears in the Fourth Edition of the Mini Museum.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNASA disposition paperwork accompanying the tile indicates it was removed after the Space Shuttle Columbia’s 7th mission, STS-61-C, which flew on January 12, 1986.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs pictured, the item is roughly the size of a standard Mini Museum specimen (4-5mm). The glass coating is very thin, so for protection, this item will be enclosed in an acrylic specimen jar. The jar is housed in a glass-topped riker display box measuring 4x3x1 (inches). A small information card will accompany the specimen, which also serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179003165,"sku":"80-112-4003-201-36","price":71.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shuttle-tile-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"apollo-11-command-module-foil","title":"Apollo 11 Command Module Foil","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an actual, mission-flown fragment of kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module \u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e. This material helped protect Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their journey from Earth to the Moon and back. Salvaged after splashdown, this is a unique collectible from one of the greatest achievements in human history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen was recovered at the Johnson Space Center when the Columbia was decommissioned. It comes from the personal collection of retired NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey, who oversaw the decommissioning process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kapton foil is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid and includes a glass-topped display case, information card, and certificate of authenticity. The information card showcases images from the Apollo 11 mission, details about the journey, and a die-cut square that matches the size of the acrylic cube. Kapton foil is an aluminized polyimide film used for radiation reflection, and the specimen measures approximately 1mm x 1mm. The outermost layers of Columbia were installed with the aluminized side facing outwards to provide optimal reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis display is surprisingly affordable compared to similar items on the market, making it an excellent choice for collectors and space enthusiasts who want to own or share a piece of history at a great price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs noted, the specimen measures approximately 1mm x 1mm and is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid for easy viewing. The acrylic cube is housed inside a padded, glass-topped riker box display case measuring 5 1\/2\" x 6 1\/2\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe display includes an information card with a centerline die-cut square matching the dimensions of the acrylic cube. The card has four unique faces, including images from Apollo 11, details about the mission, and a certificate of authenticity. The die-cut design allows you to showcase the specimen inside the display case with any one of four different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small (1mm x 1mm)","offer_id":49981179068701,"sku":"80-112-4002-201-33","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (2mm x 2mm)","offer_id":49981179101469,"sku":"80-112-0405-201-40","price":276.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/1mm-apollo-11-whipkey-01-front_dde1c6a1-35f1-4792-9829-0a73f9174e12.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-endeavour-flown-thermal-blanket","title":"Space Shuttle Endeavour - Flown Thermal Blanket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/endeavor-01-space-shuttle-front-01_1024x1024.png?v=1648473802\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eOV-105) \u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewas the final of the orbiters to be built, replacing the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eshuttle. Named for Captain James Cook’s HMS \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, the shuttle’s career included the first repair mission for the Hubble Space Telescope and the addition of the Unity Module to the ISS, the first American addition to the space station. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ealso flew Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis specimen is a piece of insulation blanket that was part of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour’s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Thermal Control System. \u003c\/span\u003eThe TCS helped the ship withstand the extreme increase in temperatures during atmospheric reentry and the TCS blanket was applied to the inside of the shuttle to protect internal components and systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftgoods such as the blanket were a simple and efficient way to provide lightweight insulation to delicate items.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this particular blanket was removed after STS-99 which flew on 02\/11\/2000, which was this shuttle’s last solo mission.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. The specimens measure roughly 1x1cm though variations may occur. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/ENDEAVOUR-DETAIL-003_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648485176\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Handling Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's very\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eimportant to note that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethis was a multi-layer insulation blanket so we've elected to provide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emultiple layers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with each specimen. All specimens will have a layer of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ealuminized Kapton foil and a layer of fibrous bulk \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ematerial. It's also possible that there may be a fragment of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDacron net separator, but we've tried to remove that as it is quite brittle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eIn any case, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eif you choose to open the specimen jar, take great care. The Kapton is very light and slightly brittle with age and use. It may fly away or even break into smaller pieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Endeavour (OV-105)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with \u003ci\u003eColumbia's\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs noted above, the Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewas the final of the orbiters to be built, replacing the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eshuttle. As a cost-saving measure, much of the shuttle was built from leftover parts from the other orbiters. Named for Captain James Cook’s HMS \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, the shuttle’s career included the first repair mission for the Hubble Space Telescope and the addition of the Unity Module to the ISS, the first American addition to the space station. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ealso flew Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOver its active years, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eorbited Earth 4,671 times, traveling approximately 120 million miles. The shuttle weighed about 156 thousand pounds, boasting a wingspan of about 80 feet and a length of about 120 feet. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ecan now be seen at the California Science Center, where it is open for display to the public.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/endeavour-space-shuttle-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648475017\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179035933,"sku":"80-112-0220-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shutte-endeavour-01-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"apollo-14-moon-tree","title":"Apollo 14 Moon Tree","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst introduced in the Second Edition of the Mini Museum, we are excited to offer this rare item as a single specimen!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-14-moon-tree-front_1024x1024.png?v=1646744548\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOn January 31, 1971, Apollo 14 carried three astronauts to the moon along with hundreds of tree seeds. Upon return, the U.S. forest service successfully germinated a small number of seeds and dispersed the saplings during the bicentennial celebrations of 1975 and 1976.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/moon-tree-context-lander-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1646747949\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Moon Tree specimen at home with a Lego Lunar Lander. (Source: Mini Museum)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis specimen comes from a surviving moon tree: a Sycamore living on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. In 2014, The tree was damaged in a storm and a fallen limb was preserved by Senior Research Specialist and White House Champion for Change, Dolores Hill.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/MM_0024_26-MOON-TREE_jpg_1024x1024.jpg?v=1646747501\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Close-up of the Moon Tree branch cross-section. (Source: Mini Museum)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". Individual specimens are all roughly 1x1 cm. A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/moon-tree-context-relics-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1646747870\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: An example Moon Tree specimen with an information card sitting on top of a cross-cut branch section.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179232541,"sku":"80-112-0216-201-40","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-apollo-14-moon-tree-1000.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-discovery-flown-payload-bay-liner","title":"Space Shuttle Discovery - Flown Payload Bay Liner","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/discovery-03-space-shuttle-front-03_1024x1024.png?v=1648473702\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWith a career that spanned nearly three decades from 1984 to 2011, the Space Shuttle \u003cem\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/em\u003e (OV-103) accrued more space flights than any other craft in the program. Discovery orbited the Earth 5,830 times, traveling approximately 150 million miles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment from a mission-flown payload liner of the \u003cem\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/em\u003e. Made of fire-resistant beta cloth, this material covered insulation and kept the payload area clean and pristine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this particular piece of the payload liner was removed after Discovery’s mission to deploy numerous science instruments (STS-85), which flew on August 7, 1997.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. Specimens measure roughly 1x1cm in size though variations may occur. As pictured, some specimens will have black seams while others will be completely white. A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/DISCOVERY-DETAIL-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648485133\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Discovery (OV-103)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with \u003ci\u003eColumbia's\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs noted above, \u003cem\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/em\u003e had a long career spanning nearly three decades from 1984 to 2011. During this time, the orbiter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eaccrued more space flights than any other craft in the program. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eorbited the Earth 5,830 times, traveling approximately 150 million miles. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe shuttle weighed about 170 thousand pounds, boasting a wingspan of about 80 feet and a length of about 120 feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmong its many missions, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ecarried the Hubble Telescope into orbit (STS-31) and took on the hundredth shuttle mission (STS-92). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e can be found at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Fairfax County, Virginia. Coincidentally, this is very close to Mini Museum HQ so the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e holds a special place in our hearts!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMullane, Mike. Riding rockets: the outrageous tales of a space shuttle astronaut. Simon and Schuster, 2007.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/discovery-space-shuttle-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648473724\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179134237,"sku":"80-112-0219-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shutte-discovery-02-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"apollo-13-command-module-foil","title":"Apollo 13 Command Module Foil","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Apollo 13 Command Module Foil Specimen\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of mission-flown kapton foil which provided thermal protection for the astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 Command Module.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-cube-in-hand-01_grande.jpg?v=1566566484\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen \u003cstrong\u003emeasures approximately 1mm x 1mm\u003c\/strong\u003e and is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid for easy viewing. The acrylic cube is housed inside a padded, glass-topped riker box display case measuring 5 1\/2\" x 6 1\/2\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-hero-1000-01_grande.jpg?v=1566568707\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn \u003cstrong\u003einformation card\u003c\/strong\u003e is included with \u003cstrong\u003eimages from Apollo 13\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003edetails about the mission\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ea certificate of authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-product-images-13_grande.jpg?v=1566493602\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe card also features a centerline die-cut square matching the dimensions of the acrylic cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-product-images-14_grande.jpg?v=1566493575\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows you to showcase the specimen inside the display case with any one of four different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/front-coa-1x2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1566566639\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: The magnified lid is secured to the acrylic cube with special tape, but the specimen inside is directly accessible.\u003c\/strong\u003e If you choose to remove the lid to examine the specimen, please use extreme caution. \u003cem\u003eThis cannot be stressed enough. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eKapton foil is very light and can easily escape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e In addition, due to the delicate nature of the material, fragments can vary in shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acquired at auction, this material comes from the personal collection of retired NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey. Among space collectors, Whipkey is considered the most reliable source for kapton foil because he oversaw the decommissioning of the Command Modules from multiple missions. He was also responsible for making most of the commemorative displays for astronauts, VIPs, and others who worked on the Apollo Program.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small (1mm x 1mm)","offer_id":49981179330845,"sku":"80-112-0011-201-36","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (2mm x 2mm)","offer_id":49981179363613,"sku":"80-112-0406-201-40","price":276.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/2mm-apollo-13-whipkey-01-front.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-atlantis-flown-thermal-blanket","title":"Space Shuttle Atlantis - Flown Thermal Blanket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/atlantis-space-shuttle-front-02_1024x1024.png?v=1648471716\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAtlantis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(OV-104)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewas the fourth of the five space shuttles used in space operations. It was also the final shuttle to be flown. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDuring Atlantis' tenure, the craft was instrumental in sending planetary probes to Venus and Jupiter and adding modules to the ISS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis specimen is a piece of a mission-flown insulation blanket, which was part of Atlantis' Thermal Control System. The TCS helped the ship withstand the extreme increase in temperatures during atmospheric reentry and the TCS blanket was applied to the inside of the shuttle to protect internal components and systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftgoods such as the blanket were a simple and efficient way to provide lightweight insulation to delicate items. \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this \u003c\/span\u003eparticular blanket was removed after Atlantis' mission to MIR (STS-86) which flew on September 26, 1997.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. The specimens measure roughly 1x1cm though variations may occur. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Handling Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's very\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eimportant to note that\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e this was a multi-layer insulation blanket so we've elected to provide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emultiple layers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with each specimen. All specimens will have a layer of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ealuminized Kapton foil and a layer of fibrous bulk \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ematerial. It's also possible that there may be a fragment of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDacron net separator, but we've tried to remove that as it is quite brittle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eIn any case, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eif you choose to open the specimen jar, take great care. The Kapton is very light and slightly brittle with age and use. It may fly away or even break into smaller pieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 17\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Atlantis (OV-104)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with Columbia's\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural launch in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efinal flight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs noted above, the Space Shuttle\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAtlantis\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003ewas the fourth of the five space shuttles used in space operations. It was also the final shuttle to be flown. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAtlantis orbited Earth 4,848 times, traveling approximately 126 million miles, and carried 156 different passengers over its time in service. During Atlantis' tenure, the craft was instrumental in sending planetary probes to Venus and Jupiter and adding modules to the ISS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eweighed about 150,000 pounds (68,000 kg), boasting a wingspan of about 80 feet and a length of about 120 feet. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhile in space,\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Atlantis \u003c\/i\u003eorbited Earth 4,848 times, traveling approximately 126 million miles, carrying 156 different passengers. Today, you can find the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eat the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Florida, where it's on public display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMullane, Mike. Riding rockets: the outrageous tales of a space shuttle astronaut. Simon and Schuster, 2007.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/atlantis-space-shuttle-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648471605\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179167005,"sku":"80-112-0218-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-small-riker-atlantis-2025-v2.jpg?v=1762206609"},{"product_id":"birth-of-the-solar-system-allende-meteorite","title":"Birth of the Solar System - Allende Meteorite","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Allende meteorite landed on our planet in 1969, but its origin goes all the way back to the birth of the Sun. Encased in resin with a glimmering shine, this specimen is a piece of the building blocks of our solar system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4.6 billion years ago, the solar system was a cloud of gas, dust, and heat. Over time, this material accumulated into asteroids, planets, and our star. Geologic processes melted and reformed much of the original material of our solar system, but some small pieces from that time remained in chondritic meteorites like Allende.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis item contains authentic meteorite dust from the Allende meteorite. The specimen contains an artistic glitter pattern to represent the formation of our solar system from dust and gas.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50316419563805,"sku":"80-112-0248-201-40","price":55.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/mms-allende-birthofthesolarsystem-02-2022_dcc6cd6d-ec7e-4a6e-85fc-72ebb4dc7568.jpg?v=1756959980"},{"product_id":"salyut-7-space-station","title":"Salyut 7 Space Station","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter being bested in the race to the Moon, the Soviet space program turned its attention to space stations with the Salyut program. Salyut 7 was a part of a new generation of crafts, a low-earth-orbiting scientific laboratory complete with telescopes, cameras, and even a greenhouse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-label=\"\" class=\"c-mrkdwn__br\" data-stringify-type=\"paragraph-break\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce the Mir space station was online, Salyut 7 was abandoned to eventually burn up in the atmosphere, its pieces scattering over Capitán Bermúdez, Argentina. This specimen is a piece of the spacecraft, recovered after its impact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50316419596573,"sku":"80-112-0447-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/salyut-7-MAIN-021.jpg?v=1756959980"},{"product_id":"asteroid-belt-hed-meteorite-fragments-classic-riker-box-specimens","title":"Asteroid Belt HED Meteorite Fragments - Classic Riker Box Specimens","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted here at Mini Museum, this specimen is an incredible piece of the Asteroid Belt that you can add to your meteorite collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween the orbits of Mars and Jupiter lies a ring of rocky objects known as the Asteroid Belt, with pieces ranging in size from dust particles to the dwarf planet Ceres. This rocky material was created during the formation of our solar system, so when a meteorite from the Asteroid Belt falls to Earth, we can learn much about how our little piece of the universe came to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a mixture of different classes of meteorites (howardite, eucrite, diogenite) from a large impact basin in the southern hemisphere of Vesta, the second-largest object in the Asteroid Belt. This material is set into a resin disk in the shape of the Asteroid Belt where it originates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50316419629341,"sku":"80-112-0398-201-40","price":31.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/Asteroid-Belt-desk-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1756959980"},{"product_id":"raptor-bone","title":"Raptor Bone","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most iconic dinosaurs of the Mesozoic, Dromaeosauridae (AKA Raptors) were fast moving, carnivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous.  With their delicate bones and possible flight abilities, it's speculated that Dromaeosauridae are closely related to modern birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan aria-label=\"\" class=\"c-mrkdwn__br\" data-stringify-type=\"paragraph-break\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis specimen is a piece of fossilized Raptor Bone from the Hell Creek formation. It comes complete with a certificate of authenticity. All specimens measure around 1cm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669900267805,"sku":"80-112-0478-201-40","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/raptor-bone-MAIN-005.jpg?v=1764370392"},{"product_id":"samurai-formal-jacket-late-edo-kataginu-display-card","title":"Samurai Formal Jacket - Late Edo Kataginu - Display Card","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn authentic samurai collector's item from Edo-period Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a century and a half of warfare, the peace of the Edo period transformed every aspect of life in Japan. A strict hierarchy established the samurai as part of the upper class, with all the attendant benefits but also strict rules on how to conduct oneself, down to how to dress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-stringify-type=\"paragraph-break\" class=\"c-mrkdwn__br\" aria-label=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis specimen is an authentic ~1cm swatch of fabric from a late Edo period samurai kataginu. This was a formal jacket that was part of the dress code of a samurai at court. The specimen comes affixed to an informational display card with the Mini Museum Seal of Authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941588253,"sku":"80-112-0479-201-40","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/samurai-jacket-matcha-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1764373854"},{"product_id":"medieval-chain-mail-ring-display-card","title":"Medieval Chain Mail Ring - Display Card","description":"\u003cp\u003eA piece of chain mail fit for any knight! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChain mail was the perfect armor for a warrior of old: flexible in movement and tough in defense. From the fall of Rome to the Renaissance, chain mail was the go-to armor for warriors of all stripes.  This period is considered the sunset of chain mail in Europe, as advanced plate armor completely supplanted mail.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis specimen is a chain mail fragment held securely in a small gem jar. The gam jar comes affixed to an informational display card including photos and the Mini Museum Seal of Authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941621021,"sku":"80-112-0483-201-40","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/chain-mail-card-single-ring-standing-MAIN-004.jpg?v=1764373855"},{"product_id":"fordite-display-card","title":"Fordite - Display Card","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA beautiful piece of automotive history!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFordite, like all other types of American motor agates, is a beautiful material that actually owes its origin to an accident. Formed by layers of automobile paint built up over time on machinery, each colorful layer represents a different vehicle passing through the Michigan factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach Fordite chip has been hand cut to show its unique color and pattern. The specimen comes affixed to an informational display card with the Mini Museum Seal of Authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941653789,"sku":"80-112-0508-201-40","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/fordite-card-MAIN-006.jpg?v=1764373854"},{"product_id":"hell-pig-jaw-fossil-entelodont-display-card","title":"Hell Pig Jaw Fossil - Entelodont Display Card","description":"\u003cp\u003e25 million years ago, during the lush Eocene, life on Earth thrived and mammals rose to ascendancy. Among these warm-blooded creatures, one could strike fear into them all: the Hell Pig! Standing at over 6 feet tall with jaws full of sharp teeth, it's clear where the nickname comes from.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScientifically known as Entelodonts, these creatures resembled modern pigs but were actually more closely related to hippos and whales. This specimen is a fossil fragment from a \"Hell Pig\" jaw that once housed a set of sharp, serrated teeth. First appearing in the Second Edition, we're excited to bring the Hell Pig as a solo specimen! The fossil fragment comes affixed to an informational display card that includes photos and the Mini Museum Seal of Authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941719325,"sku":"80-112-0487-201-40","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/hell-pig-card-in-hand-MAIN-005.jpg?v=1764373855"},{"product_id":"spinosaurus-sail","title":"Spinosaurus Sail","description":"\u003cp\u003eTopping out at just over 18m long (59ft), Spinosaurus is one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs ever discovered. This family of giant theropods also happens to be among the most surprising creatures in the fossil record.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis specimen is a piece of a fossil Spinosaurus neural spine from the Kem Kem fossil beds of Morocco. It comes complete with an informational card that serves as statement of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941686557,"sku":"80-112-0507-201-40","price":31.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/spinosaurus-sail-MAIN-002.jpg?v=1764373854"},{"product_id":"theropod-tooth-javelina-formation-fossil-fragment","title":"Theropod Tooth - Javelina Formation Fossil Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare tooth fragment from a ferocious dinosaur!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheropods were bipedal and powerful dinosaurs, with tyrannosaurids and their many cousins often ruling as apex predators across the Age of Dinosaurs. Though they varied greatly in appearance, most theropods were carnivores, hunting and scavenging as needed to power their massive bodies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis specimen is a theropod tooth from the Javelina Formation in West Texas. This location was home to many theropods, such as raptors and the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. The specimen comes in a handsome riker display case and includes an informational card that serves as statement of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941752093,"sku":"80-112-0496-201-40","price":31.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/theropod-tooth-MAIN-001_2dea9fac-1630-4ad6-ace2-552b93ce8861.jpg?v=1764373854"},{"product_id":"ichthyosaur-vertebra-fossil","title":"Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/ichthyosaur-front_1024x1024.png?v=1618235896\" alt=\"\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/ichthyosaur-front_1024x1024.png?v=1618235896\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIchthyosaurs were marine reptiles with streamlined bodies, no neck, and smooth heads. They were air-breathing creatures with two nostrils situated far back on the top of the head, generally similar in shape to a modern porpoise. Ichthyosaurs likely fed on fish using their numerous sharp teeth and enormous eyes to locate prey in deep water. Most abundant and diverse during the Triassic and Jurassic Periods, their fossils have been uncovered around the world and were extant through the Early Cretaceous. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/ichthyosaur-book-1x1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1618237054\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Ichthyosaur specimens photographed with the delightful book \"Paleoart. Visions of the Prehistoric Past\" by Zoë Lescaze.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an Ichthyosaur vertebra recovered from Jurassic Period formations in the United Kingdom. Recorded discoveries of partial Ichthyosaur fossils in this region date back to the 18th century, though they were often mistaken for fish. It wasn't until 1811 when Joseph Anning, brother of the famous fossil-hunter Mary Anning, discovered the remains of an Ichthyosaur which was later unearthed in its entirety by Ms. Anning and studied by surgeon Everard Home, that a better understanding of Ichthyosaurs began to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIchthyosaur Sizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragment\u003c\/strong\u003e - A fragment of vertebra roughly 5mm is diameter. T\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehe specimen is housed within a glass-topped riker display case. The case measures 4\"x3\"x1\". A small information card is also included.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhole\u003c\/strong\u003e - A complete vertebra. Typically ~3\" (75mm) in diameter. This item ships in a sturdy carton for open display (i.e. no display case - too big!).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor and shape varies widely with this specimen. The pictures provided on this page are meant to be representative of the \u003cem\u003eaverage\u003c\/em\u003e. Of course, they are all awesome!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Fragment","offer_id":50669941883165,"sku":"80-112-0116-201-36","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Whole","offer_id":50669941915933,"sku":"80-112-0117-201-36","price":129.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/ichthyosaur-vert-large-main.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"crinoid-feather-stars-columnal-segments","title":"Crinoid \"Feather Stars\" Columnal Segments","description":"\u003cp\u003eSometimes referred to as feather stars or sea lilies, Crinoids are members of an extended and very ancient family of sea animals known as echinoderms. Echinoderms date back as far as the Cambrian period some 541,000,000 years ago. They include such varied animals as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and starfish. Their development was part of a much larger explosion of complex life on Earth which resulted in most of the animal or \u003cem\u003emetazoan\u003c\/em\u003e body plans we know today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942047005,"sku":"80-112-0087-201-38","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-crinoid.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"cultured-pearl","title":"Cultured Pearl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/cultured-pearl-02-front_1024x1024.png?v=1605551061\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"He had taken from a secret resting-place in his bosom the pearl, the last of his jewels. As he looked at it, a mellower lustre, a soft and iridescent light, full of shifting gleams of azure and rose, trembled upon its surface. It seemed to have absorbed some reflection of the colours of the lost sapphire and ruby. So the profound, secret purpose of a noble life draws into itself the memories of past joy and past sorrow.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Henry van Dyke, The Other Wise Man, 1895\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pearl is an iconic treasure. Serving as a symbol of wealth across many cultures throughout history, the pearl is not a gemstone, but rather a completely organic creation formed within the shell of a living mollusk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen an irritant (sand, parasite, etc) enters the mollusk’s shell, the animal reacts by coating the object with layers of aragonite and calcite. Known as nacre, this material builds up layer after layer creating a hard shell around the object. While this process protects the soft flesh of the mollusk, it also creates a beautiful and unique byproduct we call the pearl.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/pearls-01_1024x1024.jpg?v=1605738775\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A closeup of Cultured Pearl specimens.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a cultured pearl from a freshwater farm on the Tennessee River. Operated for decades by the same family, the methods they employ are used by modern pearl farms around the world to create a sustainable harvest of one of the world's natural treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen is housed in an acrylic jar that is encased within a glass-topped riker display box. The box measures 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Pearls and Pearl Farming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe collection of pearls has a long history, and like any human endeavor, there are intricate traditions and rituals associated with time-tested methods and practices. Each story is a unique chronicle of the connection between humans and the sea, though perhaps the most famous is that of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHaenyeo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e divers from Jeju Island off the coast of South Korea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe tradition of diving on Jeju goes back to at least 434 CE, and since the 17th century, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHaenyeo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has consisted entirely of women. Divers begin training early, around the age of 11, and their work powers the entire economy of the island. In the past, women would work every day, even when pregnant. In fact, some even gave birth in the boat. While incredibly difficult, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHaenyeo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e have also achieved economic and social freedom as a result of their partnership with the sea and making them the head of their households. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural pearls form around nearly any foreign object. This often results in irregular shapes and sizes, and makes locating the classic, spherical shape quite rare.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOver the past century, a technique for cultivating perfect pearls has been developed. By inserting a round bead into the mollusk, a spherical pearl can be formed and harvested in 18 months. This technique was used and perfected in the beginning of the 20th century by Japanese businessman Mikimoto Kōkichi (1858-1954). Mikimoto’s fascination with pearls began at a young age, and as an adult he became interested in finding a way to develop perfect pearls. The growing price of pearls in foreign markets meant they were being gathered more and more, not only making pearls rarer but endangering the oysters that made them. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith a series of patents, Mikimoto established a powerful presence in the pearl market with his new cultivation techniques. Known as the “Pearl King”, he helped shift the industry towards oyster culturing methods rather than simply searching for wild oysters. Mikimoto saw his method of cultivation as “a successful case of science applied in aid of nature,” as while their creation was started through a scientific process, the pearls themselves were made through natural means.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eToday, pearl farms continue to be the main source of pearls on the market, though Japan is no longer the only provider. In the past decades, pearl farms have begun to form in the United States. American pearls come from a freshwater mussel in the midwest and the techniques of each farm are closely protected. These farms are able to produce hundreds of thousands of pearls a year and sometimes use custom-designed inserts to create uniquely shaped pearls, such as coins, teardrops, and triangles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe United States has historically been a bountiful location for pearl hunters. In the mid 19th century, a discovery of a 26-gram pearl in New Jersey led to a rush around the country, pulling up millions of pearls from New York to Mississippi. This overcollection along with the effects of industrialization destroyed the population of freshwater mussels, causing the American market to disappear until the development of pearl cultivation. The Tennessee River holds most of the mussel farming in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/cultured-pearl-back_1024x1024.png?v=1605551092\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e Above: Back of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941817629,"sku":"80-112-0100-201-36","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-pearl-01-1000.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"dire-wolf-jaw-classic-riker-box","title":"Dire Wolf Jaw Classic Riker Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe dire wolf was one of the most successful predators of the late Pleistocene epoch, rivaling that of the Smilodon. Ranging from Alaska to Bolivia, this muscular carnivore dominated the North American food chain 100,000 years ago with its powerful bite and pack tactics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of the dire wolf's iconic jaw, which is placed in one of our classic glass-topped riker display cases alongside an informational photo card.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941850397,"sku":"80-112-0119-201-36","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-direwolf-01-1000.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"first-transatlantic-cable","title":"First Transatlantic Cable","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/transatlantic-cable-front_1024x1024.png?v=1591213472\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003csmall\u003eAbove: Front of Specimen Card\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"What hath God wrought?\" ~ Samuel F.B. Morse, 1844\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of the First Transatlantic Cable carried aboard the U.S.S. Niagara. Originally part of the Third Edition of the Mini Museum, we're excited to offer the remaining fragments as stand-alone items.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: Due to the fragile nature of the material the size will vary widely. Single wires are the most common, but there are also bound pairs from our original prototype work and selections of smaller pieces.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen is enclosed in an acrylic specimen jar with a removable top which arrives in a handsome, glass-topped riker box case measuring 4x3x1.  A small information card is included, which also serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the First Transatlantic Cable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/20-TRANSATLANTIC-CABLE-CONTEXT-NEWSPAPER_1024x1024.jpg?v=1591216944\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTen years after Samuel F.B. Morse sent the first telegraph message in 1844, the world was hooked on the new form of rapid communication.  Transmission lines crossed mountains, rivers, and national boundaries.  Even 20 miles of the English Channel could not hold back the constant flow of messages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYet even with this breathtaking progress, overcoming the Atlantic Ocean seemed an impossible task.  Nearly two thousand miles of open ocean separated the closest two points between Europe and North America, and the depth along the route often exceeded two miles.  Spanning this enormous gap would require the will of a person of immense vision and grit, and perhaps even a touch of madness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBorn in 1819, Cyrus West Field was one of eight children.  He began an early career in business as a dry goods merchant in New York, leaving to become a paper salesman.  Still young, he joined a paper manufacturing partnership, then nearly fell into financial ruin when the business collapsed and he somehow came out personally responsible for the debts of his partners.  Not to be held down, Field went out and started a new paper manufacturing business, becoming a primary supplier to the burgeoning penny presses of the day.  Field sold his business and found himself incredibly wealthy.  He and his brother purchased matching mansions in New York's hottest new private development: Gramercy Square.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut Field was still a young man and he hungered for adventure.  Along with a friend, painter Frederic Edwin Church, he traveled to South America following in the footsteps of 18th-century scientist Alexander von Humboldt.  Field had Church paint sweeping landscapes and volcanoes to capture the incredible vision left behind by von Humboldt in his book \u003cem\u003eCosmos\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eReturning home to New York, Field became very excited by a new technology: the telegraph.  Lines for the telegraph were appearing everywhere, but Field had the idea that a line stretching from Europe to America might change the world.  Without hesitation, he set out to make it happen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn 1854, Field raised a fund among his wealthy New York friends equivalent to $40M in today's currency to develop the technology needed to draw the cable across over 2,000 miles of ocean.  Three years later, the US Government also authorized annual payments of nearly $2M per year to help fund the development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThen in August 4th, 1858, after already suffering one failed attempt to connect the line, Cyrus Field and the USS Niagara reached Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, connecting the First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\"I have no words to express the feelings which fill my heart tonight -- it beats with love and affection for every man, woman, and child who hears me. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.\" ~ Cyrus West Field, 1858\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWithin days, messages began flowing between the two continents at a rate never before imagined.  The world had become smaller in what seemed like an instant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCharles Tiffany of Tiffany \u0026amp; Co. purchased the remaining cable from Field with the intent of selling souvenirs.  However, the wonder of this advancement was not to last, as the cable failed within just a few weeks.  Tiffany was unable to sell more than a few of the finished pieces before the world turned against Field with a fury that was just as intense as their initial excitement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/20-TRANSATLANTIC-CABLE_1024x1024.jpg?v=1591216181\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Tiffany Cable Segments used in the Third Edition of the Mini Museum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eField was not to be put off.  He set back to work immediately, creating a new company.  It would be hard work, but ten years later a new, sturdier cable would be set in place.  This cable would not fail, and Field would be treated to awards and accolades from across the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/transatlantic-cable-back_1024x1024.png?v=1591217160\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003csmall\u003eAbove: Back of Specimen Card\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942079773,"sku":"80-112-0040-201-36","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-transatlantic-cable-01-1000.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"tyrannosaurus-rex-tooth-fragment","title":"Tyrannosaurus Rex Tooth Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeasuring 40ft (12m) in length and weighing upwards of 14 tons, Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest and most powerful terrestrial predators in history. The most advanced in an 80 million-year chain of tyrannosaurid evolution, T. rex had heavy, deep skulls reinforced with sutures, lightened by hollow chambers... and of course,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebig, sharp teeth!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of a Tyrannosaurus rex tooth, recovered on private land in the Hell Creek Formation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941948701,"sku":"80-112-0057-201-36","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/t-rex-tooth-outside-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"the-great-dying-extinction-event-siberian-traps-slab","title":"The Great Dying Extinction Event - Siberian Traps Slab","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/great-dying-front_600x600.png?v=1576008552\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOur planet has gone through many different cycles of life and death over the last 4.5 billion years, from the rise and long-lasting reign of the dinosaurs to the endless variations of tiny cyanobacteria stretching back billions of years. While the fossil record holds a picture of many dramatic events, nothing quite compares to the Permian-Triassic Extinction Event, known as \"The Great Dying.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/species-extinction-rate-chart-smooth-line-smaller_1024x1024.jpg?v=1610986076\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: While there have been numerous extinction events scattered across time, the chart to the left highlights the \"Big Five\" events as well as a number of smaller events that have occurred in between: Ordovician–Silurian(441,000,000), Late Devonian (359,000,000), Permian–Triassic (252,000,000), Triassic–Jurassic (201,000,000), Cretaceous–Paleogene (66,000,000).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a basalt slab from the Kuznetsk Basin in southwestern Siberia. The Kuznetsk Basin is also home to one of the largest coal deposits on earth, a remnant of the global destruction caused by the Siberian Traps during the greatest extinction event in the history of the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen comes inside a classic, glass-topped riker display case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also enclosed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specimens vary in shape and thickness. This material is very dense and difficult to cut, but we generally aim for a 1 x 1\" (2.5 x 2.5 cm) mini-slab. Some edges will be smooth and others will be sharp so do take care when handling this specimen. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore About The Great Dying\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"\"La vie a souvent été troublée sur cette terre par des événemens effroyables.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Life has often been disturbed on this earth by frightful events.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Georges Cuvier, Discours sur les révolutions de la surface du globe (1822)\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnown as \"The Great Dying,\" the Permian-Triassic Extinction Event is the largest extinction event in the history of the planet. While studies point to several factors, the chief catalyst of this extinction event is a series of massive volcanic eruptions known as the Siberian Traps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/04-GREAT-DYING_1024x1024.jpg?v=1576008736\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the course of 1,000,000 years, these flood basalt eruptions covered over 7 million square kilometers (2,700,000 square miles) with as much as 4 million cubic kilometers of lava (~1,000,000 cubic miles). Carbon dioxide and methane releases triggered by the Siberian Traps caused runaway global warming, driving ocean temperatures to exceed 40C (104F) and killing nearly 95% of life on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNickel released by the Siberian Traps triggered marine bacteria to produce massive amounts of methane. Combined with an injection of carbon dioxide and sulfate aerosols, runaway global warming pushed ocean temperatures over 40C (104F).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSuch devastation on land and sea is unequaled in the fossil record. Nearly 95% of all life perished, and most studies indicate life took millions of years to rebound. As life returned, new species rose to the top. The Synapsids (mammal-like reptiles such as Dimetrodon) were replaced by Archosaurs. The Archosaurs descendants included birds, crocodilians, pterosaurs, and of course dinosaurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/AdobeStock_169703303_1024x1024.jpg?v=1610985892\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: The rugged terrain of Putorana Plateau on the Taymyr Peninsula in Siberia, Russia is completely formed from the remains of the Siberian Traps. It lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away from the Kuznetsk Basin giving some sense to the massive scale of this formation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavies, Clare, Mark B. Allen, Misha M. Buslov and Inna Safonova. \"Deposition in the Kuznetsk Basin, Siberia : insights into the Permian-Triassic transition and the Mesozoic evolution of Central Asia.\" Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology 295.1 (2010): 307-322. dro.dur.ac.uk. Web. 13 March 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eKolbert, Elizabeth. The sixth extinction: An unnatural history. A\u0026amp;C Black, 2014.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHallam, Tony. Catastrophes and Lesser Calamities : The Causes of Mass Extinctions. Oxford University Press, 2005. EBSCOhost.com. Web. 13 March 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSaunders, Andy and Marc Reichow. \"The Siberian Traps and the End-Permian mass extinction: a critical review.\" Chinese Science Bulletin 54.1 (2009): 20-37. Ira.le.ac.uk. Web. 13 March 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669941981469,"sku":"80-112-0018-201-36","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-greatdying-01-1000.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"mammoth-meat","title":"Mammoth Meat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRadiocarbon-dated to 19,551 years old!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/mammoth-meat-front_1024x1024.png?v=1591199850\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003csmall\u003eAbove: Front of Specimen Card\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Various legends exist about frozen mammoths. It has been said that the scientists who excavated the Beresovka mammoth, discovered in the year 1900, enjoyed a banquet on mammoth steak. What really appears to have happened is that one of them made a heroic attempt to take a bite out of this meat but was unable to keep it down, in spite of a generous use of spices.\" ~ Björn Kurtén in \"How to Deep Freeze a Mammoth\"\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of a woolly mammoth muscle tissue, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eradiocarbon dated to 19,551 years old. \u003c\/span\u003eThe specimen comes from a well-preserved wooly mammoth leg discovered near the Indigkra River in Siberia, Russia. It first appeared in the Second Edition of the Mini Museum. We're pleased to offer it once again as a single specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/mammoth-leg-with-marker_1024x1024.png?v=1591203722\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: The original leg as discovered in Siberia. This piece is now displayed in a museum in Japan.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you might expect, each tissue fragment is unique. The pieces vary widely in size, shape, color, and texture. We do not recommend or endorse the consumption of this item. It is not food. It is a display piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/meat-01_1024x1024.jpg?v=1591204786\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A close-up of a large section of mammoth muscle tissue.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen comes in an acrylic jar, which housed inside a glass-topped Riker display box measuring 4x3x1 (inches). A small information card accompanies the specimen and serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: We have not stabilized this material with resin.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is very firm, like leather, but we recommend treating it as fragile as it can shed dusty bits. For this reason, we've placed each specimen in an acrylic specimen jar. We recommend keeping it in the jar at all times as it can be fragrant when exposed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Woolly Mammoth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoughly the mass of a modern African elephant, the woolly mammoth evolved some 400,000 years ago in Siberia from the steppe mammoth widespread on that continent, and ultimately spread westward into Europe and eastward into North America via the Beringian land bridge that once connected modern-day Russia and Alaska. This event may have been the second mammoth invasion of the New World, as the steppe mammoth forayed to North America about 1.5 million years ago and evolved there into the endemic (and enormous) Columbian mammoth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Pleistocene North America, woolly mammoths primarily roamed the cold, treeless tundra-grasslands immediately below the continental ice sheets—the American reach of the mammoth steppe—while Columbian mammoths occupied a more southerly, temperate range encompassing most of today's Lower 48 States and which extended deep into Mexico.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey shared this territory with fellow Pleistocene grazers, subsisting mainly on grasses and sedges along with willows, alders, and other stunted trees that grew sparsely in the high-latitude steppe lands, far more diverse biomass than the modern Arctic tundra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter disappearing from continental ranges roughly 10,000 years ago, small, isolated populations of woolly mammoth survived on Alaska's St. Paul Island until about 5,600 years ago and on Russia's Wrangel Island until perhaps 4,000 years ago. All of these pockets eventually died out due to the lack of genetic diversity that comes from metropolitan interactions with larger populations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/mammoth-meat-back_1024x1024.png?v=1591206256\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003csmall\u003eAbove: Back of Specimen Card\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942276381,"sku":"80-112-0038-201-36","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/mammoth-meat-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"japanese-star-sand-1","title":"Japanese Star Sand","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The tiniest of stars beneath our feet can reveal the greatest mysteries of deep time.\" ~ from the Second Edition of the Mini Museum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/star-sand-front_grande.png?v=1556111673\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForaminifera are single-celled creatures which produce a diverse range of beautiful and tiny protective shells. These shells appear in the fossil record as far back as 550 million-years, and in some locations, entire beaches are made up of these so-called \"foram sands.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/2085f_Japon_Hatoma_grande.jpg?v=1556113328\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Macro image of Foraminifera \"Star sand\" Hatoma Island - Japan (Source:  psammophile \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.arenophile.fr\/Pages_IMG\/P2085f.html\"\u003eMicrophotographie personnelle\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe islands of Okinawa, Japan are home to several foram sand beaches. A folktale from Taketomi-Jima describes the star-shaped shells as the children of the Polar Star and the Southern Cross, devoured and spat out again by a giant serpent which served the Seven Dragon God of the Sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese Star Sand specimen comes from a private collection obtained many years ago from Hoshizuna-no-Hama (\"Star Sand Beach\") on the island of Iriomote in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. This specimen was featured in the Second Edition of the Mini Museum and we are happy to offer it once again as a single specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bbfa1e8b2971cd3b55ffec38a17a5fcb_original_grande.jpg?v=1556112513\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Hoshizuna-no-hama ( Star Sand Beach ) in Iriomote Island, Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. 日本語: 星砂の浜。所在地は沖縄県竹富町の西表島。(Source: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/1opq5ZN\"\u003ehttp:\/\/bit.ly\/1opq5ZN\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foram sand beaches contain many billions of foraminifera remains along with other debris one is likely to find on many beaches. To prepare this specimen, we had to begin by separating forams from actual sand and tiny bits of debris, and because the sand and the shells are essentially the same size, this had to be done by hand with tweezers. It is possible that some common beach debris may be included in this specimen but we've done our best separate the forams from the sand and other bits one is likely to find on a beach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo make it easy for you to handle the specimen (and to include more forams), we've opted to showcase this carefully prepared specimen in a small glass vial complete with a cork stopper. The vial is enclosed in an acrylic specimen jar and displayed in a classic, glass-topped riker display box measuring 4x3x1 inches. A small information card is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/e3d6b568bf6ef3d9c54f3d864a307060_original_grande.jpg?v=1556112684\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942014237,"sku":"80-112-0002-201-36","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-star-sand-1000.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"bismuth-crystal-with-iridescent-oxide","title":"Bismuth Crystal with Iridescent Oxide","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-front_1024x1024.png?v=1602509491\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"The Philosopher takes pleasure in the contemplation of the nature of these compounds while the miner takes pleasure in the profit and use he obtains from the metals he extracts from them.\" ~ Georgius Agricola, 1546\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a complete bismuth crystal. They are hand cast in Colorado by a family that specializes in creating bismuth crystals for the jewelry industry. We loved them so much that we had to share them with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-crystals-in-hand_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A pair of Bismuth crystals in hand.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA classic piece for every natural history collection, Bismuth, element 83, is known best for its multicolor formations of a deep, staircase-like structure. These fractal patterns are known as hopper crystals, identifiable by their hollow step lattices. When bismuth cools it forms in a rhombohedral structure with the edges of the formation crystallizing at a much faster rate than the center of the faces. This pulls material away from the interior and leaves gaps in the structure, causing the final product to appear hollow. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-crystal-pinch_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707663\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Close-up of a specimen displaying the intricate lattice pattern.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crystal’s uniquely iridescent shine also occurs during its formation process. While the metal’s true color is a white silver, it can oxidize during the cooling process to form a thin layer of film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-ingot-detail_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707304\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A pure Bismuth ingot. We've used this material to make some of our bismuth crystals and it is a fun challenge!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis film interferes with light waves, giving bismuth its colorful appearance, similar in process to the rainbow glimmer of a soap bubble. While these formations do not appear often in nature, bismuth’s relatively low melting point of 520 °F means it is possible to create synthetic bismuth crystals at home with the right materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-wide_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602707388\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A selection of Bismuth crystals\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAs you can see, each crystal is a unique and beautiful natural art object. No two will be alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-closeup_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602511664\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe specimen is contained inside an acrylic specimen jar. The jar is enclosed inside a classic, glass-topped riker display case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This specimen is 100% safe to handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile it can be used as a replacement for lead or as a pigment in cosmetics, Bismuth is most commonly used for medicinal purposes in the compound bismuth subsalicylate, known under the brand name Pepto-Bismol. It is not well understood how bismuth subsalicylate operates when ingested, but it is thought that it stimulates the absorption of fluid and electrolytes within the intestine while inhibiting inflammations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLong thought to have been the heaviest nonradioactive element, researchers in 2003 discovered that the naturally occurring isotope of the bismuth did in fact undergo alpha decay and calculated a half-life of 1.9×10^19 years. Luckily, this half-life is about a billion times longer than the current age of the universe, meaning that you won’t have to worry about any radioactivity from Pepto-Bismol or this specimen. 😎\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgricola, Georgius. De Natura Fossilium (Textbook of Mineralogy). Geological Society of America, 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ede Marcillac, P., Coron, N., Dambier, G. et al. Experimental detection of α-particles from the radioactive decay of natural bismuth. Nature 422, 876–878 (2003)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/bismuth-back_1024x1024.png?v=1602509532\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e Above: Back of specimen card.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942112541,"sku":"80-112-0088-201-39","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-bismuth-01.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"aterian-tools","title":"Aterian Tools","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/aterian-front_1024x1024.png?v=1621874941\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTool making is a defining component in the evolution of human culture and sets us apart from the other creatures on the planet. Early in human history, in the middle of the Paleolithic, a new technological culture developed in North Africa: the Aterians. This group is known today for its advanced techniques and the differentiation of their tools. By studying what the Aterians left behind, we can learn much about how they lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/aterian-group_1024x1024.jpg?v=1622143040\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/aterian-group_1024x1024.jpg?v=1622143040\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: A selection of Aterian Tools. Note that sizes, shapes, and colors will vary.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a complete Aterian tool as found in North Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach individual tool is presented inside a classic, glass-topped riker display case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also enclosed that also serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Color, size, and shape varies widely based on each individual stone. As might be expected with stone tools that are many thousands of years old, the condition will also vary as most have been worn over time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/aterian-ochre-art_1024x1024.jpg?v=1622143295\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942374685,"sku":"80-112-0130-201-39","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-aterian-02-1000.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"viking-axe-classic-riker-box-specimen","title":"Viking Axe Classic Riker Box Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMore than 1200 years ago the Vikings left the fjords of modern Scandinavia and set out sea. Today, nearly every country in Europe has a story to tell of the Viking expansion, and the complex history of their many societies is slowly being rediscovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of a Viking axe head dating to 900 CE. The axe head was restored in the 1960s using the techniques of the time, which tended to focus on the beauty of the finished object as opposed to stabilizing and preserving the material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Classic Riker Box Specimens are all unique as we crafted each one here from the original material salvaged from the axes. You should still use caution when handling these specimens. Edges can be sharp and the material may flake.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942407453,"sku":"80-112-0201-201-40","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-viking-axe-01.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"la-brea-tar-pit-riker-box-specimens","title":"La Brea Tar Pit Riker Box Specimens","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/labrea-front_1024x1024.png?v=1637145324\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: The front of the Specimen Card for the Tar Pit Specimen. (Source: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSmilodon californicus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCanis dirus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e fight over a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMammuthus columbi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e carcass in the La Brea Tar Pits, Robert Bruce Horsfall, 1913)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe La Brea Tar Pits are among the most well-known petroleum seeps in the world. Over millennia, such seeps can become lake-like formations and trap unwary wildlife. Excavated animal remains at La Brea comprise nearly 700 different species, some dating back 40,000 years to the Late Pleistocene.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"La Brea Specimen","offer_id":50669942341917,"sku":"80-112-0192-201-40","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/tar-pit-riker-desk-MAIN-010_a23d1269-ce19-4d11-a611-20981c18de84.jpg?v=1764373860"},{"product_id":"rough-opal","title":"Rough Opal","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-front_1024x1024.png?v=1643637908\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA gemstone almost alive with an intense inner fire, opals have held the attention of humans for many thousands of years. From Egypt and Classical Greece to China and the Americas, ancient civilizations valued the beauty of opal, but it is only in recent history that we've come to understand the complex nature of this unique gemstone. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-in-hand_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643639193\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Grant holding a Rough Opal specimen.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of rough opalized plant material from Lightning Ridge in NSW, Australia. Australia is the largest producer of opals in the world. The opal fields here date to the Cretaceous when Central Australia was home to an enormous inland sea, known to science as the Eromanga Basin. It dates to roughly 110,000,000 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-above_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643639268\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-above_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643639268\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Rough Opal Specimens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe specimen is housed in an acrylic jar that is encased within a glass-topped riker display box. The box measures 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/rough-opal-specimen-jar-2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1643640632\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis specimen first appeared in the Third Edition of the Mini Museum (MM3). The single specimens offered here come from the same mine but are much larger. All specimens are completely unique and coloration varies. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942505757,"sku":"80-112-0203-201-40","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-rough-opal-02.jpg?v=1764373860"},{"product_id":"tranquillityite","title":"Tranquillityite","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts brought rocks back to Earth from the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility. Within these stones, we found many hints towards the creation of both our moon and our own planet. Sample 10047 contained a mineral never seen by NASA geologists: Tranquillityite, named for its place of discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor over 40 years, Tranquillityite was known to form only on the Moon. However, in 2011 geologists identified deposits of the mineral in Western Australia. These new samples formed in the Warakurna Large Igneous Province and are over one billion years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is one of those rare pieces of terrestrial Tranquillityite, recovered from Australia. It comes with a handsome display case and an informational authenticity card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942604061,"sku":"80-112-0415-201-40","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/tranquillityite-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"rough-ruby","title":"Rough Ruby","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmong the five cardinal gemstones, the ruby holds a special place. This striking gem fuses shades of red and blue into new menageries of color. Like other gemstones, rubies are imprints of past geological processes, shedding light on the tectonic forces churning below our feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of rough ruby, demonstrating its natural form. First appearing in the Fifth Edition, this gemstone comes with a small informational card that serves as certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942571293,"sku":"80-112-0198-201-40","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/rough-ruby-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"sagarmatha-climbing-rope","title":"Sagarmāthā Climbing Rope","description":"\u003cp\u003eMount Everest (Nepali: Sagarmāthā सगरमाथा; Tibetan: Chomolungma ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ; Chinese: Zhumulangma 珠穆朗玛) is the tallest mountain in the world, its peak resting at 29,029 feet above sea level, on the border of Nepal and China. Hundreds of mountaineers climb the mountain each year, facing altitude sickness, treacherous icefalls, and bone-chilling temperatures.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis specimen is a sample of climbing rope retrieved during a cleanup effort on Mount Everest. It first appeared as a specimen in the Fifth Edition Mini Museum and we're very excited to debut it as a solo specimen. It comes in a classic, glass-topped riker display box measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". A small information card is included, which also serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942309149,"sku":"80-112-0528-201-40","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/Everest-Rope-desk-MAIN-009.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"hell-creek-mini-dawn-redwood-cones-fossilized-metasequoia-cones","title":"Hell Creek Mini Dawn Redwood Cones - Fossilized Metasequoia Cones","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hell Creek Formation of North America is one of the most famous fossil-hunting locations in the world. Spread over portions of North and South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, Hell Creek is a unique time capsule, capturing the final years of the dinosaurs as well as many other flora and fauna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a small Metasequoia fossil cone from a Dawn Redwood at Hell Creek. These trees once towered over a landscape full of dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Pachycephalosaurus, and more. The fossils range in size from ~0.75-1\" wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: These fossils are small and all show some signs of weathering from the fossilization process. This specimen cannot be returned or exchanged.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942636829,"sku":"80-112-0426-201-40","price":15.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/charm-box-hell-creek-cone-MAIN-005_2dd8ef67-8518-4506-b110-9272a321bc96.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"break-up-of-pangea","title":"Break-Up of Pangea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen is a polished diabase fragment from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province deposits of Eastern North America. Similar to the specimen in the Acrylic version of the Mini Museum, but much larger, the item is encased in an acrylic specimen jar and housed in a glass-topped riker display box measuring 4x3x1 (inches). A small information card will accompany the specimen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe source rock was donated by the Luck Stone quarry adjacent to the Manassas U.S. Civil War battlefield in Northern Virginia. The quarry is a magnificent location where it is possible to clearly see one of the rift valleys which tore through the ancient supercontinent and might once have become the Atlantic Ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eℹ️ For more details about Pangea, please check out our long form article \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.minimuseum.com\/blogs\/specimens\/pangaea-the-prehistoric-supercontinent\"\u003e\"Pangaea: The Prehistoric Supercontinent\"\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942472989,"sku":"80-112-0519-201-40","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/pangea-desk-MAIN-002.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"20-2-full-dorsal-dimetrodon-vertebra-spine-sail","title":"20.2\" Full Dorsal Dimetrodon Vertebra - Spine Sail","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONE OF A KIND PERMIAN MATERIAL!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith a fearsome jaw and reptilian appearance, Dimetrodon is often mistaken for a dinosaur. However, this family of Early Permian Age species falls into a disparate taxonomic clade known as synapsids which includes mammals. This specimen is a one of a kind, 20.2\", full dorsal Dimetrodon fossil vertebra. The purpose of the spine sail is unknown, though speculation ranges from thermoregulation to sexual dimorphism, and perhaps even locomotion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942767901,"sku":"80-112-0206-201-40-2027FULL2202","price":9999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/dimetrodon-showcase-spine-main-3_4bb87e3a-f6a3-4567-af63-8a11b5481983.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"mini-museum-age-of-dinosaurs-touch-32-specimens","title":"Mini Museum - Age of Dinosaurs (TOUCH - 32 Specimens)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Mini Museum is a \u003cstrong\u003ehandmade product\u003c\/strong\u003e and the production process lends itself to small variations.  \u003cstrong\u003eAll Mini Museums are sold \"as-is\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and by purchasing a Mini Museum, you acknowledge that such variations can occur. Such variations highlight the artisanal nature of the project, as each Mini Museum is made by hand and absolutely unique.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mini Museum is a portable collection of curiosities where \u003cb\u003eevery item is authentic\u003c\/b\u003e, iconic and labeled. It's been carefully designed to take you on a journey of learning and exploration. Each Mini Museum is a \u003cb\u003ehandcrafted, limited edition\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe TOUCH is a special version of the Mini Museum which comes in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. It includes 32 Specimens from the Age of Dinosaurs collection. The TOUCH is not a toy and it is not intended for children. The specimens can be removed from their individual acrylic jars for careful study. We say \"careful study\" here because many are quite delicate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 32 Specimen Age of Dinosaurs Edition TOUCH Mini Museum includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed Printed Companion Guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertificate of Authenticity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic, glass-topped riker display case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE: This is an unnumbered edition!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 32 Specimen (TOUCH) Age of Dinosaurs Mini Museum measures approximately 14 1\/2\" long x 8\" wide x 1\" thick and\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003econtains 32 different specimens\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTHE GREAT DYING (C. 252,280,000 YEARS OLD)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eTETHYS OCEAN\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(HIMALAYAN SHALIGRAM)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eTHE BREAKUP OF PANGAEA\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(C. 200,000,000 YEARS OLD)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eGONDWANA (ARAUCARIA TREE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eLAURASIA (AMMOLITE GEM)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDINOSAUR EGG (HYPSELOSAURUS)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDINOSAUR FOOTPRINT (GRALLATOR)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDINOSAUR SKIN\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(HADROSAUR)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDINOSAUR FOOD (CYCAD)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDINOSAUR DUNG\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(COPROLITE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ePLESIOSAUR\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(PADDLE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ePLIOSAUR (BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eICHTHYOSAUR (VERTEBRA)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMOSASAUR (TOOTH)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eBRACHIOSAURUS (FEMUR)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDIPLODOCUS (ANKLE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCRETACEOUS INSECT IN AMBER\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eATLASAURUS (BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAPATOSAURUS (BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eIGUANODON (BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSTEGOSAURUS (PLATE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eTRICERATOPS (BROW HORN)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eANKYLOSAURUS (ARMOR)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ePACHYCEPHALOSAURUS (DOME)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHADROSAUR (BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ePTEROSAUR (WING BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eALLOSAURUS (VERTEBRA)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSPINOSAURUS (SPINE)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eRAPTOR (DROMAEOSAURID BONE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTYRANNOSAURUS REX (TOOTH)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDEATH OF THE DINOSAURS (DECCAN TRAPS)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDEATH OF THE DINOSAURS (K-PG BOUNDARY)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full list of specimens in the Age of Dinosaurs collection appears below and you can r\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/minimuseum.com\/age-of-dinosaurs.html\"\u003eead more about each of these amazing items on our special page for Age of Dinosaurs\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/specimen-list_mm-dino-public-release_1024x1024.png?v=1572991351\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Mini Museum is handcrafted and carefully encased in acrylic and ready to inspire you. Display it on your desktop, mantle, or coffee table. It also \u003cb\u003emakes a beautiful gift\u003c\/b\u003e for the person that has everything. (We all know some of those people. Not one of them has anything like this!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafety Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e The TOUCH Mini Museum is not a toy. It is a serious, scientific collectible. ALL specimens in the TOUCH are accessible and so the product should never be left in the hands of small children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942538525,"sku":"40-706-9029-201-42","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/touch-zoom-2-32-specimens.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"permian-bone-jaw","title":"Permian Bone - Jaw","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an incredible collection of jaw bones and teeth fossils dating to the Permian Period that is estimated to be around 286,000,000 years old. This chapter in life's evolutionary history marked the rise of amniotes, egg-laying animals that came to dominate the surface of the Earth long before the dinosaurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach specimen contains six pieces of bone material from a small tetrapod found in the Richards Spur Quarry near Lawton, Oklahoma. The majority of these fossils from from\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eCaptorhinus\u003c\/i\u003e, a reptile common in the Permian deposit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942669597,"sku":"80-112-0379-201-40","price":31.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/permian-bone-in-hand-MAIN-006.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"mini-museum-fifth-edition-touch-34-specimens","title":"Mini Museum - Fifth Edition (TOUCH - 34 Specimens)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fifth Edition Collection (MM5) begins with the stellar heart of our solar system. The core of a primitive celestial body formed in the cataclysmic heat and violent aftermath of the sun’s ignition. We'll journey from this exuberant beginning more than 4.6 billion years ago to visit with our closest neighbors in the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurning to Earth, we enter a world bathed in fire. Billions of years pass before the first stirrings of life, and then suddenly, it is everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will explore it all... from armored fish in the ocean's depths to the conquest of land, and scrambling creatures covering the surface of our planet. We'll see the largest creatures ever to roam the earth as well as those who evolved to prey upon their majestic forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStellar Heart (Muonionalusta Meteorite), Martian Dust Storm (Shergottite, NWA 7397), Starry Night (Lunar Meteorite, NWA 13951), Magma Ocean (Isua Greenstone), Cauldron of Life (Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents), Rough Ruby (Mozambique), Conquest of Land (First Land Plants), Dunkleosteus (Armored Fish, Permian Bone, Coelacanth (\"The Living Fossil\"), Carcharodontosaurus (Tooth), Oviraptor (Bone), Daspletosaurus (Bone), Alamosaurus (Bone), Woolly Rhinoceros (Bone), Glyptodon (Scute), Darwin Glass (Tektite), Dawn of Creativity (Red Ochre), Early Modern Humans (Stone Tool Core), Lost Civilization (Luristan Bronze Sword), Roman Siege Engines (Ballista Shot), Ottoman Empire (Kemha Silk), Monticello (Home of Thomas Jefferson), Old Ironsides (USS Constitution), Amelia Earhart (Vega 5B, First Solo Transatlantic Crossing), Stainless Steel Mullions, Cold War Espionage (Soviet Spy Camera), Walt Disney (Disneyland, Main Street Apartment), Queen of the Skies (Boeing 747), Woodstock (The Original 1969 Stage), Nuclear Arms Race (Trident 1 C4 Missile), Sony Walkman, Mount Everest (Climbing Rope), Gateway to the Stars (Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center)Quite a list, right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e34-Specimen TOUCH version\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e will only be available for a short time. It is an overrun from our highly successful crowdfunding campaign and contains several exclusive specimens. Once the overruns are gone, it will be replaced by a 29-Specimen version. \u003c\/span\u003eWe are excited to continue the journey together, sharing the love of science and history with the world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Mini Museum is a \u003cstrong\u003ehandmade product\u003c\/strong\u003e and the production process lends itself to small variations.  \u003cstrong\u003eAll Mini Museums are sold \"as-is\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and by purchasing a Mini Museum, you acknowledge that such variations can occur. Such variations highlight the artisanal nature of the project, as each Mini Museum is made by hand and absolutely unique.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mini Museum is a portable collection of curiosities where \u003cb\u003eevery item is authentic\u003c\/b\u003e, iconic and labeled. It's been carefully designed to take you on a journey of learning and exploration. Each Mini Museum is a \u003cb\u003ehandcrafted, limited edition\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fifth Edition TOUCH includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed Printed Companion Guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic, glass-topped riker display case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertificate of Authenticity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEach Mini Museum is handcrafted and carefully encased in acrylic and ready to inspire you. Display it on your desktop, mantle, or coffee table. Or carry it in your pocket - Mini Museum can go wherever you go. It also \u003cb\u003emakes a beautiful gift\u003c\/b\u003e for the person that has everything. (We all know some of those people. Not one of them has anything like this!)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942866205,"sku":"40-707-9029-201-42","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/mm5-touch-label_716136c8-197b-4d20-95ef-358de8b5f5ef.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"woolly-rhinoceros-bone","title":"Woolly Rhinoceros Bone","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBefore humans dominated the Earth, we shared the planet with towering megafauna, among them the magnificent Woolly Rhinoceros. With massive bodies covered in thick hair, humped shoulders to carry their heavy heads, and a titanic horn that made them tower over the expansive steppe landscapes, woolly rhinos were a true sight to behold in the Pleistocene tundra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of fossilized Woolly Rhinoceros bone. It was recovered from the North Sea, which once was a tundra between the British Isle and continental Europe before it flooded 8,000 years ago.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fossil is set into a padded gem jar and placed within a glass-topped riker box display case. The case measures 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\" and a small photo display card is also included. The card serves as the certificate of authenticity and includes information about the Woolly Rhino on the reverse side.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942833437,"sku":"80-112-0351-201-40","price":31.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/woolly-rhino-MAIN-010.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-tire-columbia-flown-nose-landing-gear-tire-card-display","title":"Space Shuttle Tire - Columbia Flown Nose Landing Gear Tire - Card Display","description":"\u003cp\u003eAcross 30 years, the Space Shuttle program launched dozens of flights of its five orbiters, writing a new chapter in the history of space exploration. During these missions, astronauts ran experiments, made astronomical observations, launched satellites, and performed other tasks in pursuit of knowledge of outer space. \u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e was the first mission-flown shuttle, kicking off three decades of the program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a mission-flown nose landing gear tire fragment from the Space Shuttle \u003cem\u003eColumbia \u003c\/em\u003e(OV-102). Serial number verification against public information indicates the tire was removed from service after\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eColumbia\u003c\/i\u003e's 13th mission (STS-52).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tire fragment measures between 0.5 to 1cm long and ships within a clear coin case attached to an informational display card. The Mini Museum Seal of Authenticity is included on the card!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942702365,"sku":"80-112-0445-201-40","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/shuttle-tire-card-MAIN-005_1c2516c7-da1a-4d84-ab97-918882877102.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"medieval-chain-mail-specimen","title":"Medieval Chain Mail Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003cem\u003eauthentic\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003efour-in-one medieval chain mail\u003c\/strong\u003e set \u003c\/span\u003eincludes \u003cstrong\u003efive (5) connected rings\u003c\/strong\u003e, as assembled \u003cem\u003ehundreds\u003c\/em\u003e of years ago by medieval craft workers. This relatively simple pattern was the standard in Europe for hundreds of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe set is enclosed in a specimen jar with a removable top which arrives in a handsome, glass-topped riker box case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\".  A small informational card is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rings come from the fragments of several ruined garments, all dating to the 15th Century (CE). This period is considered the sunset of chain mail in Europe, as advanced plate armor completely supplanted mail. As you might expect, each garment has a unique braid and all the rings were forged and assembled by hand.  So there will be variations in size, color, and texture.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942800669,"sku":"80-113-4505-878-63","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/chain-mail-braid-03-display.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"magma-ocean-isua-greenstone-belt-3-6-billion-years-old","title":"Magma Ocean - Isua Greenstone Belt - 3.6 Billion Years Old","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the Hadean Eon, long before the modern day, Earth was a roiling ball of hot magma incapable of sustaining life. It is difficult to study this ancient time, as few rocks from it have survived. However, some traces of the prehistoric magma ocean can be found in the Isua Greenstone Belt, an Archaean deposit over 3.6 billion years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan aria-label=\"\" class=\"c-mrkdwn__br\" data-stringify-type=\"paragraph-break\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis specimen is a piece of rock from the Isua Greenstone Belt in Greenland. Within this formation are some of the earliest traces of Earth, from the time our planet was covered in fire. First appearing in the Fifth Edition, we're excited to debut the Magma Ocean as a solo specimen!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942440221,"sku":"80-112-0452-201-40","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/magma-ocean-MAIN-004.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"martian-dust-storm-nwa-7397-martian-meteorite","title":"Martian Dust Storm NWA 7397 - Martian Meteorite","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted here at Mini Museum, this specimen is an incredible piece of the Asteroid Belt that you can add to your meteorite collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween the orbits of Mars and Jupiter lies a ring of rocky objects known as the Asteroid Belt, with pieces ranging in size from dust particles to the dwarf planet Ceres. This rocky material was created during the formation of our solar system, so when a meteorite from the Asteroid Belt falls to Earth, we can learn much about how our little piece of the universe came to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a mixture of different classes of meteorites (howardite, eucrite, diogenite) from a large impact basin in the southern hemisphere of Vesta, the second-largest object in the Asteroid Belt. This material is set into a resin disk in the shape of the Asteroid Belt where it originates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942735133,"sku":"80-112-0439-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/martian-dust-storm-outside-MAIN-001_db089151-bfd4-4715-9926-ddde13e90dcb.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"phytosaur-scute-classic-boxed-specimens","title":"Phytosaur Scute - Classic Boxed Specimens","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn the early Mesozoic era, dinosaurs walked the Earth and heavy ferns covered the land in a hot climate, but one familiar danger lurked at the water’s edge: the ancient phytosaur. This monstrous reptile was an early aquatic predator that struck with terrifying speed and power at anything unfortunate enough to cross its feeding grounds. While it resembled a modern crocodile, the phytosaur is far older and perhaps more frightening than the aquatic reptiles we know today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScutes, also known as osteoderms, were the primary armor of the phytosaurs. They are not part of the skeleton but rather a growth within the skin. Osteoderm formation usually begins with small nodules of cartilage around which more dense material forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Individual scutes will vary widely in shape and texture. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small Scute","offer_id":50669942898973,"sku":"80-112-0191-201-40-S","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium Scute","offer_id":50669942931741,"sku":"80-112-0191-201-40-M","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large Scute","offer_id":50669942964509,"sku":"80-112-0191-201-40-L","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/phytosaur-scute-small-MAIN-001.jpg?v=1764373859"}],"url":"https:\/\/stemcell.eco\/collections\/mini-museum.oembed?page=6","provider":"Stemcell Science Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}