Celina, Ohio: a city with a population of about 10,000, known for its quiet charm and small-town vibes.
But behind the unassuming exterior of Mercer County Library lies a treasure trove that’ll make your inner geologist do a happy dance: the Langsdon Mineral Collection.
You might think a geode is just a rock. That is until you crack it open and discover an explosion of glittering crystals.
The Langsdons (Ron and Ruth, not the Geode Gods you might be imagining) have something similarly magical tucked away at the library. This collection, which started in the Langsdons’ own living room, is a stunning display of over 900 minerals from all around the world.
It’s not just any collection. We’re talking rare specimens, pieces from mines that no longer exist, and even minerals from China and India that were previously unknown to Western science.
So how did this all come about?
Ron and Ruth, hailing from nearby St. Marys, spent a cool 15 years curating their collection without even leaving home. Forget the muddy hiking boots and scraped-up knees—these two simply worked with mineral dealers to amass a collection so impressive it could go toe-to-toe with any major museum.
In 2006, the Langsdons decided it was time to share their fabulous findings with the world (and maybe free up some closet space).
They donated part of their collection to the Mercer County Library, which has since become home to one of the most notable public mineral collections on the planet. Seriously, this place is in the same league as the Smithsonian and London’s Natural History Museum. No biggie, right?
The collection started small—with about 300 specimens—before expanding into a glittering catalog of over 900 pieces, all housed in 21 display cases at the library. And the love for minerals didn’t stop there: the collection has spread to other branch libraries in Marion, Mendon, and St. Henry, bringing the sparkly goodness to even more folks.
Whether you’re a seasoned mineral enthusiast or someone who just enjoys shiny things, the Langsdon Mineral Collection is a must-see.
With minerals from nearly every corner of the globe, it’s a colorful, fascinating journey through the Earth’s natural wonders. Best of all, it’s in Celina, tucked away like the best secrets always are: at the local library.
To plan your visit, head over to langsdonminerals.org.
