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

Gargoti Museum’s motive is educate the citizens of India bout the hidden geological wealth within their country and encourage them to rescue & preserve these natural treasures of ourcountry.

Gargoti, The Gem & Mineral Museum

The Gargoti Museum is India’s first and only gem and mineral museum, located in Nashik, aharashtra. This unique museum showcases an extensive collection of natural minerals, crystals, fossils, stone handicrafts
and gemstones, sourced from all over the world, and has become a prime destination for those interested
in nature, geology, mineralogy, and the natural wonders of the earth.

 The Gargoti Museum, located in Sinnar near Nashik, Maharashtra, is a unique gem and mineral museum.It houses a vast collection of natural mineral and gem specimens, including the largest and finest collection of Indian zeolite minerals and crystals in the world.

Vision of the Museum:

Mr. K.C. Pandey, an avid collector and mineral enthusiast,
established the Gargoti Museum to promote awareness and appreciation of India's
vast mineral heritage. The museum's name, "Gargoti," which means
"stone" in Marathi, symbolizes the essence of its mission: to unveil
the hidden beauty of the Earth's treasures.

The Gargoti Museum is more than just a showcase of
minerals—it’s a celebration of nature's artistry and a hub of learning and
inspiration.

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, who spent over 40 years collecting rare crystals and minerals specimens from across the globe, particularly focusing on rescuing minerals from Maharashtra’s mineral-rich regions of the Deccan Plateau.

 Established in 2001 & inaugurated by onourable Shri Balasaheb ackerayJi, the museum aims to educate the public on the natural beauty and scientific value of minerals, gems, and crystals arising from our Mother Earth.

Museum Layout and Experience:

The museum is divided into two main sections:

  1. The Prestige Gallery: The Prestige Gallery displays rare and precious mineral specimens, gems, and crystal, froms across the globe.
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2) The Deccan Gallery:The Deccan Plateau Gallery offers a roader perspective on India’s eological diversity. It howcases minerals, crystals and fossils, collected and rescued from India..

The museum is designed to be both educational and visually engaging, with well-organized displays and informative
descriptions that provide visitors with geological, historical, and culturalc contexts for each specimen.

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The Collection:

The collection:-

The museum’s collection boasts more than 10,000 crystal, mineral, gem, fossil and handicraft specimens, with the
largest selection from the volcanic regions of Maharashtra.

1. Zeolites and Crystals:

The museum’s pride lies in its extensive display of zeolite minerals and crystals.These minerals, including stilbite, apophyllite, heulandite, cavansite, thomsonite, okenite, etc. are renowned for their beautiful crystalline forms and colors.

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2.International Minerals: In addition to
Indian minerals, the museum features a selection of minerals and natural gems
from around the world. These include unseen natural forms of precious stones like emerald, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, tourmaline, garnet, diamond, opals, etc.
3. Meteorites and Fossils: Gargoti Museum also holds a selection of meteorite specimens and
fossils, adding to the scientific diversity of its displays. These provide
insights into the history of Earth and the broader cosmos, offering a tangible
link to geological processes that have shaped our planet. Meteroites from moon
and mars, and dinosaur fossils, are star attractions of the gargoti museum’s
display.
4.Native Gold and Silver: Besides minerals, the museum also has exhibits showcasing unseen forms of natural gold, silver & copper. The rare native formation of these precious metals from Austrailia, USA and South Africa,  gives one an insight about their natural
geological formations.

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EducationalPrograms and Community Engagement:

Gargoti Mineral Museum is dedicated 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 programs help visitors understand the processes behind mineral formation, their practical applications, and their historical significance. The museum also participates in international mineral shows, displaying Indian minerals to global audiences and promoting the unique geological heritage of India.

Souvenir Shop:

Gargoti Museum includes a souvenir shop, where visitors can purchase from a wide range
of gemstones, minerals, crystals, handicrafts, jewelleries, rings, pendants,
bracelets, carvings etc.

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Significance and Impact

Gargoti Mineral Museum holds an important place not only in Maharashtra but in India’s scientific and cultural landscape. It helps promote awareness about 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 appreciation for natural science and the role minerals play in both nature and human society.

The Gargoti Mineral Museum is a remarkable destination that brings India’s rich mineral heritage to life, providing a blend of education, beauty, and inspiration. For anyone interested in the natural world, geology, or mineralogy, it is a must-visit in Maharashtra, shedding light on the hidden treasures that lie beneath the earth’s surface.

The Man Behind Gargoti Museum

Mr.K.C. Pandey (Krishna Chandra Pandey) is the visionary forcebehind the creation of India’s first and only gem and mineral museum, theGargoti Museum.

A proud product of INS Shivaji, 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 them as a 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 his export company, Superb Minerals India, in 1994.

Within half a decade of its establishment, 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 soil. 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.