An exhibit titled Silver Clouds, Turquoise Sky, which presents the history of silver and turquoise, the complementary metal and mineral that have come to symbolize Arizona and its history, is on display at the University of Arizona Mineral Museum in Tucson until May 31.

In conjunction with The Flandrau Science Center, the exhibit shows how the early Native Americans appreciated turquoise as far back as 1000 B.C.E., and how it has grown in popularity over time. Most visitors already know the important role that copper has played in the history of Arizona, often called the Copper State, but few realize that it was really the lure of silver that brought many of the early settlers. The display features fine natural specimens of silver and turquoise from around the world, as well as carved turquoise and worked silver.