Treasures of the Earth

About the museum

Treasures of the Earth is a private collection of crystals, gemstones and fossils in Corpach, a few miles from Fort William on the road to Mallaig. It was started about thirty years ago by a father and son who shared a deep interest in geology. The building was formerly a Catholic church, and today it holds one of the larger displays of its kind in Europe. In 2015 the business passed to the next generation of the family, who still run it.

The displays are set within cave and mine scenes that take visitors on a journey through the history of the planet. A main hall of about 6,000 square feet is dressed with simulated rock faces, a long prehistoric mural and a viewing gallery. The crystal section includes amethyst geodes more than two metres tall, and there are collections of minerals from around the world, including Scottish minerals from Strontian.

The fossil displays cover trilobites about 500 million years old, petrified wood, amber with insects trapped inside, a dinosaur egg nest, the remains of a sabre-toothed cat and a fossil ichthyosaur. A pteranodon model with a wingspan of about six metres hangs above the hall.

One of the favourite parts of a visit is the ultraviolet cave, where selected minerals glow and change colour under UV light. Younger visitors can follow the Troll Trail, a treasure hunt in which they look for trolls hidden among the caves. A gift shop sells crystals, minerals, fossils, jewellery and stone carvings.

Highlights

• Amethyst geodes over 2 metres tall
• Ultraviolet cave where minerals glow
• Fossils including trilobites, an ichthyosaur and sabre-toothed cat remains
• Troll Trail for children
• Collection set in cave and mine scenes inside a former church

Permanent exhibitions

• Crystals and gemstones – Giant amethyst geodes, quartz crystals, coloured gemstones and rare minerals from around the world.
• Fossils and ancient life – Trilobites, petrified wood, insects in amber and the remains of prehistoric animals.
• Ultraviolet cave – A darkened cave in which minerals glow and change colour under UV light.

Founded

1991

Admission & discounts

A ticket stays valid for a week after purchase. There is no need to pre-book.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Ramp access to the shop and the museum and an accessible toilet. Wheelchair users cannot reach the upper deck.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The Troll Trail is a treasure hunt for younger visitors. The museum presents itself as a family attraction and a rainy-day option.

Getting there & parking

Corpach is about 4 miles from Fort William on the A830, the Road to the Isles. Look for the large yellow building just past the Co-op.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Gift shop with crystals, minerals, fossils, gemstone jewellery, stone carvings and a children's section. Free parking on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit