If you are in Santa Ana, the Bowers Museum is well worth a visit. It’s original collection from the early 20th century focused on the early history of Southern California. Additional space has allowed for a broader scope.

The Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold van Pelt exhibit was fascinating. Twenty carved gemstones spill out of a carved faceted quartz egg.

Izok is a hollow, life-sized human skull. The original quartz crystal weighed 250 pounds. The finished piece, which is in two parts with a hinged jaw, weighs 6.5 pounds.

Amethyst cup with 24 flutes.

Van Pelt and his wife are also well known mineral photographers.