Research Division – Geology Bureau

New Mexico Tech is home to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources (NMBGMR)—the official state geologic survey and a research/service division within NMT. The Bureau investigates and disseminates critical information on geology, minerals, water, energy resources, and extractive metallurgy for the benefit of New Mexico and beyond. 

Its Mineral Museum maintains more than 16,000 specimens—mineral, rock, and fossil samples—making it one of the most distinguished collections in the country. Many of these specimens are used in state and national outreach, teaching, and professional research. 

Artifact Geology Bureau

On display here are two samples from that collection:

  • Virgilluethite is one of three new minerals discovered in New Mexico (2024) and named in honor of Dr. Virgil W. Lueth, former director and longtime mineralogist at the Bureau. It forms yellow-green, platy crystal groups and adds to our evolving understanding of New Mexico’s mineral diversity. 
  • Smithsonite comes from the Kelly Mine near Socorro and is famed for its vivid blue-green color. This specimen is part of the Museum’s teaching collection and has drawn geologists and mineral enthusiasts from around the world.

Learn More:

New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources main website:
https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/index.html 

Mineral museum webpage stop by for a visit:
https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/museum/home.cfml 

News article about the three new minerals discovered in NM and Virgilluethite being named after one of NMT’s retired mineralogist:
https://www.nmt.edu/news/2025/new-minerals.php