The Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum in Ramat Gan, Israel, has opened a unique exhibition of gemstones and minerals, containing 500 rare items, gathered from 55 countries around the world. The private collection of Ben-Zion and Sarah Harel, accumulated over a period of 30 years, this unique treasure will form part of the permanent collection of the museum.

Among the unique pieces on display are:

* A prehistoric insect, resembling a mosquito, trapped in amber over 20 million years ago

* A two billion year-old crystal from Namibia, containing a droplet of water, which moves freely within the stone.

* The largest ruby in the world—weighing 1,908 grams, originating from Kenya

* A 25-million-year-old red emerald embedded in stone.

* “Emerald Crystal Twins” from Northern Afghanistan—a perfectly formed crystal that sprouted a second perfect crystal.

* A fossilized tree trunk that grew calcite crystals—an exceedingly rare combination in nature—weighing 5,112 grams

Ben-Zion Harel is an international gemstone dealer, who founded and headed for more than a decade the Israel Emerald Cutters Association. He was also a founding member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). Harel, whose family has been actively trading gemstones between Europe and the Orient since the 19th century, has a deep knowledge and affinity for minerals and semi-precious stones. He created the collection from pieces acquired on his many trips around the world.

The Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, a subsidiary of the Israel Diamond Institute is located in the Maccabi Building within the Diamond Exchange complex. It features unique permanent and changing exhibitions presenting the magical world of diamond, gemstones and gem-studded jewelry.

JCK