About Us

Time: 9.00 am To 6.00 pm
Phone No: 9890655592
Email: info@gargoti.com

Entry Fees 200 per person

Our Motto:
Our mission is to educate the citizens of India about the hidden and often neglected geological wealth of our country and encourage them to protect and preserve this natural treasure.

Introduction:
The Gargoti Museum is India’s first and only gem, mineral, and fossil museum, located in Nashik, Maharashtra (India). Our unique museum showcases an extensive collection of natural minerals, crystals, fossils, stone handicrafts, and gemstones sourced from all over the world. It has become a prime destination for those interested in nature, geology, gemmology, mineralogy, and the natural wonders of the Earth. The museum showcases the biggest and finest collection of natural minerals from the Deccan Traps of India.

Background and Establishment:
The Gargoti Museum was founded by Mr. Krishna Chandra Pandey, a retired Chief Air Artificer of the Indian Navy and a passionate gem and mineral collector. He spent over 40 years collecting rare crystal and mineral specimens from around the world, with a particular focus on rescuing minerals from Maharashtra’s mineral-rich regions of the Deccan Plateau. Established in 2001 and inaugurated by the Honourable Shri Balasaheb Thackeray Ji, the museum aims to educate the public about the natural beauty and scientific value of minerals, gems, and crystals formed within our Earth.

The Collection

The museum’s collection boasts more than 10,000 specimens of crystals, minerals, gems, fossils, and handicrafts, with the largest selection sourced from the volcanic regions of Maharashtra.

1.Zeolites and Crystals:
The museum takes pride in its extensive display of zeolite minerals and crystals. These include stilbite, apophyllite, heulandite, cavansite, thomsonite, okenite, and more, renowned for their stunning crystalline structures and colours. Maharashtra is one of the world’s premier sources of high-quality zeolite minerals, making these specimens a global treasure.

Apophyllite
Heulandite
Cavansite
Thomsonite
Okenite
Stilbite
Natrolite
Prenite
Amethyst
Anandalite
Chalcedony
Epi Stilbite
Fluorite
Goosecreekite
Gyrolite
Julgoldite
Mesolite
Mordenite
Pentagonatie
Powellite
Prenite
Quartz
Sterlite

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2. International Minerals:
In addition to Indian minerals, the museum features a collection of minerals and natural gems from around the world. This includes rare and unique formations of precious stones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, tourmaline, garnet, diamond, and opal.

3.Meteorites and Fossils:
The Gargoti Museum also houses a selection of meteorite specimens and fossils, adding to the scientific diversity of its exhibits. These displays offer insight into Earth's history and the broader cosmos, providing a tangible connection to geological processes that have shaped our planet. Meteorites from the Moon and Mars, as well as dinosaur fossils, are among the museum’s star attractions.
4.Native Gold and Silver:
In addition to minerals, the museum showcases rare natural formations of gold, silver, and copper. These specimens, sourced from Australia, the USA, and South Africa, provide valuable insight into their geological origins.

Emerald
Opel
Aquamarine
Amber
Gamet
Fossilu
Meteoriteo
Native Gold
Ammonite
Malachite
Tanzanite
Stibnite
Dendrite
Fire Opal

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Museum Layout and Experience:

The museum is divided into two main sections:

The Prestige Gallery: Displays rare and precious mineral specimens, gems, and crystals from around the world.

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2) The Deccan Gallery:
Focuses on India’s geological diversity, showcasing minerals, crystals, and fossils collected and preserved from across the country.

The museum is designed to be both educational and visually engaging, with well-organized exhibits and informative descriptions that provide geological, istorical, and cultural contexts for each specimen.

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EducationalPrograms and Community Engagement:

The Gargoti Mineral Museum is committed to spreading awareness and knowledge about mineralogy, geology, and natural sciences. It frequently organizes educational programs, workshops, and guided tours tailored for students, geologists, and tourists. These initiatives help visitors understand the processes behind mineral formation, their practical applications, and their historical significance.

The museum also participates in international mineral exhibitions, showcasing Indian minerals to global audiences and promoting India’s unique geological heritage.

Souvenir Shop:

The Gargoti Museum includes a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a variety of gemstones, minerals, crystals, handicrafts, jewelry, rings, pendants, bracelets, and carvings.

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Significance and Impact

The Gargoti Mineral Museum holds a vital place in Maharashtra and India’s scientific and cultural landscape. It promotes awareness of India’s geological wealth and the natural processes that shape the minerals beneath our feet. By showcasing the beauty of these minerals, the museum inspires a deeper appreciation for natural science and the role minerals play in both nature and human society.
A visit to the Gargoti Mineral Museum offers a unique experience that blends education, beauty, and inspiration. For anyone interested in the natural world, geology, or mineralogy, it is a must-visit destination in Maharashtra, revealing the hidden treasures beneath the Earth’s surface.

The Man Behind Gargoti Museum

Mr.K.C. Pandey (Krishna Chandra Pandey) is the visionary foræbehind the creation of India's first and only gem and mineral museum, the Gargoti Museum.
A proud product of INS Shivraji, Lonavala, Mr. Pandey served the Indian Navy for 20 years, retiring as Chief Air Artificer Fascinated by the beauty of minerals from a young age, he began collecting themasa hobby at just 16 years old. After retiring from the Navy, his passion for minerals led him to share his collection with the world, culminating in the formation of hisexport company, Superb Minerals India, in 1994. Within half a decade of itsestablishment, Superb Minerals India, under Mr. Pandey's leadership, became the world's largest exporter of collectible Indian zeolite minerals.
While marketing these minerals globally, Mr. Pandey became deeply concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness among Indian citizens regarding these incredible crystals and minerals many of which originate from India's own soll. Driven by a sense of patriotic pride, Mr. Pandey decided to address this gap. In 2001, he established Gargoti-The Mineral Museum, India's first and only gem and mineral museum.
Mr. Pandey has dedicated this museum to Mother India, ensuring that future generations appreciate and take pride in the country's geological wealth.