Exhibit Booklet - Science North

TRAVELING EXHIBIT 

SUDBURY, ONTARIO, CANADA 

dynamicearth.ca/diamonds

Who We Are 

Science North is an interactive, world-renowned science center located in Sudbury, Ontario Canada that 

has been in existence since 1984. Its family of attractions has grown to include an IMAX® Theater featuring 

both 2D and 3D films, the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, a 600 m 2 (6,000 sq ft) Special Exhibits Hall, 

and most recently Dynamic Earth, a new earth sciences center. 

In addition to entertaining and educating visitors on-site, Science North develops and sells world-renowned 

exhibits, multimedia productions and traveling exhibits, and produces large-format films for clients on 

a global scale. By harnessing the creative strength and talents of our science communication experts, we 

create unparalleled experiences for your facilities. 

Diamonds is one of seven traveling exhibits. Our other traveling exhibits include: 

• Creatures of the Abyss 

• Ends of the Earth: from Polar Bears to Penguins 

• WaterWorks: Soak up the Science 

• Arctic Adventure 

• Discovering Chimpanzees: 

• The Climate Change Show 

the Remarkable World of Jane Goodall 

Our Team 

We are truly excited by each new project, and understand the importance of communicating and 

connecting with visitors in a fun and interactive way. We especially enjoy learning from our clients, while 

simultaneously working with them to understand and realize their goals. 

Science North has an award-winning group of in-house producers, directors, scientists, and public 

communicators who have the combined production experience of more than three decades in the multiple 

formats that our business demands. 

For additional information regarding 

leasing Diamonds or other Science North 

traveling exhibits, please contact: 

Julie Moskalyk 

International Sales Manager, Science North 

100 Ramsey Lake Road 

Sudbury, Ontario P3E 5S9 

phone: 705-522-3701 ext. 228 

email: moskalyk@sciencenorth.ca 

For additional information or questions 

related to the exhibition’s content, 

please contact: 

Mia Boiridy 

Director, Dynamic Earth 

100 Ramsey Lake Road 

Sudbury, Ontario P3E 5S9 

phone: 705-522-3701 ext. 401 

email: boiridy@sciencenorth.ca 

100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 5S9 T: 705.522.3701 F: 705.522.4954 W: dynamicearth.ca/diamonds

Example of a Floor Plan 

Science North is an agency of the 

Ontario Ministry of Culture. 

Table of Contents 

Introduction 4 

The Entrance 5 

Formation 6 - 7 

An Introduction to Diamonds 

What are Diamonds? 

Diamond vs. Graphite 

Diamond Formation 

Colored Diamonds 

Color Your Own Diamond 

Volcanic Pipes 

Spot the Diamonds 

Exploration 8 - 9 

The Quest for Diamonds 

Erosion of Kimberlites 

Indicator Minerals 

Indicator Minerals in Diamond Exploration 

Geophysical Exploration 

Exploration 

Exploration Corner 

Meet Eira Thomas 

Explorer’s Tools 

Mining & Processing 10 

Mining Methods 

World Diamond Mines 

Canada’ s Diamond Mines 

Processing Diamonds 

Properties 11 - 12 

Refractive Index 

Thermal Conductivity 

Hardness 

Simulants and Synthetics 

The Gem 13 - 14 

Cutting and Polishing 

Carat 

Color 

Clarity 

Cut 

Canadian Diamonds 

Famous Diamonds 

Exit 15 

Exhibit Specifications & Contact 16 


Exhibit Specifications 

LANGUAGE: 

French & English (Canadian dictionary) or 

English only (US dictionary). 

NUMBER OF EXHIBITS: 

38 

VISIT DURATION: 

45 minutes 

SIZE: 

200m 2 (2,000 sq ft) *This exhibit can be 

expanded to fit larger halls. 

Minimum Ceiling Height: 2.75 m (9 feet) 

Introduction 

Their glitz, their glamour, their story. 

Travel deep within the Earth to learn how diamonds were formed, at great depths, billions of years ago, and 

witness their dramatic journey to the surface. Meet an exploration geologist and try to discover a diamondbearing 

kimberlite. See how diamonds are mined around the world, and test their amazing properties. 

Learn about the many uses of diamonds in modern technology, and try your hand at evaluating gem-quality 

diamonds. Diamonds provides an in-depth look at this unique mineral, the hardest natural substance on 

Earth, and introduces the visitor to North America’s growing diamond industry. 

Diamonds is a 200m 2 (2,000 sq ft) traveling exhibit that takes visitors on a journey from “rocks to riches”. The 

exhibit is organized into six sections: Entrance, Formation, Exploration, Mining and Processing, Properties 

and The Gem. Exhibits and experiences include rock and mineral samples, rough cut diamonds, acrylic 

reproductions (cz), multimedia experiences, computer interactives and large full-image graphic panels. 

RENTAL FEE 

$40,000 USD, plus in-bound shipping for a 

three-month rental period. 

Additional Materials 

Educational Manual, Marketing Guide, 

Technical Support and Operations Guide. 


Zone 100 

The Entrance 

A recreated stylized rock entrance welcomes visitors to the world of Diamonds! 

Exhibit name Key Elements Visitor Experience 

Entrance Recreated stylized rock tunnel. A recreated stylized rock entrance tunnel 

welcomes visitors to the world of Diamonds! 


Zone 200 

Formation 

Start your journey deep inside the Earth where diamonds were formed billions of years ago. Through 

computer interactives, sample displays and graphics, visitors explore what diamonds are, how they are formed 

and how they make their way to the surface through explosive volcanic eruptions. A dramatic looping video of 

a kimberlite explosion anchors this section and provides a strong visual message. 

The origin of diamonds is linked to Earth’s early history. Formed 3.3 billion to 900 million years ago deep 

within the Earth, carbon requires just the right amount of pressure and temperature to form a diamond. 

Exploring the complexity of diamond formation, visitors will “build” their own computer generated diamond 

by manipulating the variables that impact diamond formation. 


An Introduction to 

Diamonds 

What are Diamonds? 

Diamond vs. Graphite 

A large graphic panel with text 

showcasing a spectacular image of a 

rough cut diamond. 


complimented by two atomic crystal 

structures: one diamond-one graphite. 

Also includes a ‘Try This!’ activity 

panel. 


complimented by a display case of 

diamond crystals and a ‘Try This!’ 

activity panel. 

Read a brief introduction to the history 

of diamonds, the formation, industrial 

applications and our obsession with finding 

and mining the rare gem. 

Compare two crystal structures at this exhibit 

and determine which structure represents 

that of a diamond. While diamond and 

graphite are made of pure carbon, they 

exhibit very different physical properties. It is 

their crystal structure that sets them apart. 

Through samples of diamond crystals and 

graphic examples, observe and compare the 

six crystal structures of diamonds. Diamond 

is the hardest natural substance on Earth. 

By contrast, graphite is one of the softest. 

Contrasting properties of diamonds and 

graphite are displayed through graphic panels 

and rough diamond samples. 


Zone 200 


Diamond Formation 

Colored Diamonds 

Color Your Own 

Diamond! 

Volcanic Pipes 

Spot the Diamond 

A touchscreen interactive with custom 

animation. 


complimented by four individual 

viewers containing fancy colored 

diamonds. Also includes a ‘Try This!’ 


A large graphic panel complimented by 

a touchscreen interactive with custom 

animation. 


complimented by geological kimberlite 

samples and a looping animation of a 

kimberlite eruption. Also includes a 

‘Try This!’ activity panel. 

A recreated rock face complete with a 

‘Spot the Diamonds’ challenge! 

Explore where diamonds are found around 

the world using a touch screen with 

animation. Discover that diamonds only 

form at very specific conditions inside the 

Earth. 

Did you know that diamonds naturally range 

in color from pale yellow to colorless? View 

rough diamonds typically extracted from 

mines as well as fancy colored diamonds in a 

rainbow of colors: pink, orange, yellow, green 

and blue. 

Try your hand at coloring your own custom 

diamond! Visitors use a computer interactive 

to create a colored diamond of their very 

own! 

Examine samples of kimberlite rock from 

sources all over the world! Watch the 

dramatic animated re-creation of a kimberlite 

explosion! 

Are you up for the challenge? Then try to 

‘Spot the Diamonds on the recreated rock 

face! 


Zone 300 

Exploration 

Finding diamonds can take decades. It takes perseverance, determination, and a bit of luck to find “the mother 

lode”. Through direct manipulations, visitors attempt to identify diamond-bearing material. They meet an 

exploration geologist, learn about the challenges and rewards of diamond exploration, and see the tools used 

in the field to discover ore bodies. 


The Quest for 

Diamonds 

Erosion of 

Kimberlites 

Indicator Minerals 

Indicator Minerals in 

Diamond Exploration 

A large introductory graphic panel with 

text and complimentary images. 


complimented by two individual 

display cases containing alluvial sand 

and glacial till samples. Also a ‘Try 

This!’ activity panel. 


complimented by five individual 

display cases containing various 

indicator minerals. Also a ‘Try This!’ 



complimented by three individual 

display cases containing alluvial 

samples, one with indicator minerals. 

Also a ‘Try This!’ activity panel. 

A historical overview of diamond 

exploration, what it takes to be a field 

geologist and what it takes to make a 

diamond discovery! 

Observe and manipulate samples of 

alluvial sand and glacial till which could 

be thousands of years old! Determine the 

difference between alluvial and till deposits. 

Learn how rivers and glaciers have eroded 

kimberlite pipes over millions of years! 

Become a detective in the search for indicator 

minerals! These Kimberlite Indicator 

Minerals (KIM) are geologist’s clues to real 

diamond deposits. Observe large samples of 

indicator minerals using a sliding magnifier. 

Can you identify the different indicator 

minerals? 

Continue your detective work as the search 

for indicator minerals moves on! Examine 

three different samples under a sliding 

magnifier and try to identify the one that 

could be diamond bearing! 


Zone 300 


Geophysical 

Exploration 

Exploration 

Exploration Corner 

Meet Eira Thomas 

Explorer’s Tools 


complimented by a ‘Try This!’ activity 

panel complete with magnetometer and 

an aerial view of a property. 


complimented by a ‘Try This!’ activity 

panel complete with magnetic anomaly 

map. 

A stylized explorer’s camp complete with 

propane stove! 

A looping video, bench, alluvial and till 

samples. 

A large graphic panel complete with 

flip-up signage and sample tools. 

The search for diamonds is not a glamorous 

occupation. It can take place over wide and 

isolated territories. Pick up the magnetometer 

to scan the aerial view image to determine 

the probable location of a kimberlite pipe and 

perhaps the mother lode! 

Look through the eyes of a geophysicist by 

examining a magnetic anomaly map of the 

area you examined with the magnetometer. 

Can you locate the kimberlite pipe? 

Get an exclusive insider look into the camp of 

a geologist! 

Meet a famous female Canadian geologist, 

Eira Thomas, who struck it rich when she 

found Canada’s second diamond mine! Video 

running time is three minutes in English with 

French subtitles or English only. 

Examine the content of an explorer’s backpack 

to reveal the essential tools used to seek out 

the mother lode! 

Utilize descriptive flip-signage to read about 

some of the tools and their purpose. 


Zone 400 

Mining and Processing 

Diamonds have been mined around the world for centuries. Today, Canada is emerging as a major diamond 

producer. This section showcases diamond deposits around the world, and highlights the complexities of 

operating a mine in the Canadian Arctic. Through computer interactives, videos and graphic treatments, 

visitors learn about diamond mining, and discover how one tonne of ore must be mined and processed in 

order to produce a single, one carat, polished, gem-quality diamond! 


Mining Methods 

World Diamond Mines 

Canada’s Diamond 

Mines 

Processing Diamonds 

Five large graphic panels 

complemented with images and text. 

A large world map graphic with two 

touchscreens on either side. 

A large graphic panel complimented by 

text, images and a touchscreen. 

Two large graphic panels, one 

complimented by images, the other by 

text. 

Travel the world without leaving the exhibit! 

Discover that there are five mining methods, 

which vary depending on where you are in the 

world! How are diamonds mined from under 

the sea floor? Find out how diamonds are mined 

from ancient riverbeds, and you can determine 

what the dirtiest method of mining is! 

The world tour continues! Navigate a world 

map and learn interesting facts about current 

and past diamond mining operations 

worldwide. 

Did you know? Canada is quickly becoming 

the largest diamond producer in the world! 

Discover the locations of Canada’s diamond 

mines through navigating the touchscreen. 

Learn where the coldest diamond mine in 

Canada is! 

Sneak a peak through graphic images of the 

diamond extraction processes. Learn about the 

four stages of seperation a diamond has to go 

through after it is extracted from the ground. 

10 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 5S9 T: 705.522.3701 F: 705.522.4954 W: dynamicearth.ca/diamonds

Zone 500 

Properties 

Diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth. It is non-metallic, does not conduct electricity, has great 

thermal conductivity, and a high refractive index. These properties make it suitable for many industrial, 

technological and scientific applications. Today, synthetic diamonds can duplicate these properties. Through 

various manipulations, visitors discover the properties of diamonds, and try to differentiate them from 

synthetics. 


Refractive Index 

Thermal 

Conductivity 

A graphic panel with text complimented by 

a ‘Try This!’ activity panel complete with a 

laser beam and prism. 

A graphic panel with text complimented by 

a ‘Try This!’ activity panel complete with 

five material samples. 

Did you know? Diamonds slow down 

the speed of light by 30 per cent! Witness 

it yourself by observing the sparkle of 

your own diamond! Shine the laser beam 

through the prism and observe how the 

light bends or is refracted. Graphic panels 

compare the refractive indices of diamond 

to that of other minerals. 

The amazing properties of a diamond 

continue! Diamonds have the highest 

thermal conductivity of any material. 

Touch different materials to test their 

thermal conductivity at this exhibit, 

compare your findings with the graphic 

chart. Learn how thermal conductivity is 

used in industrial applications. 

100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 5S9 T: 705.522.3701 F: 705.522.4954 W: dynamicearth.ca/diamonds 

11

Zone 500 


Hardness 

Simulants and 

Synthetics 

A stand-alone exhibit featuring a sculpture 

made from different diamond bearing 

objects. Complimented by text, and a 

graphic interpretation of the components of 

the sculpture. 

A graphic panel with text and images 

complimented by a ‘Try This!’ activity panel 

complete with seven samples of synthetic 

diamonds and one Real McCoy! 

Diamonds not only shine and sparkle, they 

are the hardest natural substance on Earth! 

This fact is showcased in this exhibits 

sculpture which is made of different 

diamond-bearing objects used for multiple 

applications. 

Did you know? Diamonds can be grown. 

Discover the two ways in which a diamond 

can be manufactured. Learn the differences 

between simulants and diamonds. 

Test your knowledge by touching eight to a 

tester to determine the real diamond! 


Zone 600 

The Gem 

Housed in a jewelry store setting, this section explores how diamonds are cut and polished to liberate their 

fiery beauty. Carat, color, clarity, and cut determine the value of gem-quality diamonds. Equipped with rulers 

and charts, visitors observe acrylic samples to evaluate their 4C’s. Through the viewer of a microscope, they 

can see markings etched on some Canadian diamonds, and marvel at the legends and rich history of world 

famous diamonds. 


Cutting and 

Polishing 

Carat 

Color 


complimented by a large wall mounted 

display case showing the nine stages of 

diamond cutting. 


complimented by a large wall mounted 

display case containing cubic zirconia’s of 

varying carats. Also a ‘Try This!’ activity 

panel complete with four diamond replicas. 

A large graphic panel with text and images 

complimented by a ‘Try This!’ activity panel 

complete with 10 diamond color masters. 

Did you know? Only 20 per cent of all 

diamonds mined will be cut, polished and 

of gem-quality! Discover the three main 

steps in the process of diamond cutting, 

the display case in this exhibit breaks the 

process down event further to showcase the 

nine stages of diamond cutting. 

Did you know? When a rough diamond is 

cut and polished, half of its original carat 

weight is lost. Carat, one of a diamond’s 

4C’s is revealed at this exhibit. Study cubic 

zirconia representations of carat sizes, 

manipulate plastic rulers to determine 

the size of specimens and/or your own 

diamonds. 

Do you know what color diamond is the 

most valued? Learn the relation of color to 

value in this exhibit. View color masters, 

manipulate color charts, and determine 

the color of acrylic reproductions and/or 

your own diamonds. Through this exhibit, 

witness the color gradation in gem-quality 

diamonds. 


13

Zone 600 


Clarity 

Cut 

Canadian Diamonds 

Famous Diamonds 

A large graphic panel with text and images. 

Also a ‘Try This!’ activity panel complete 

with a cut diamond under a microscope. 

A large graphic panel with text and images 

complimented by a display case housing 

nine sample cuts. Also a ‘Try This!’ activity 

panel complete with two diamond replicas. 


Also a ‘Try This!’ activity panel complete 

with a genuine Canadian diamond under a 

microscope. 


Get up close and personal with diamond 

inclusions! View inclusions in this diamond 

through a microscope. Learn the difference 

between internal and external inclusions 

through graphics, replicas and diagrams. 

Join the popular cuts! View acrylic 

representations of the nine most popular 

diamond cuts. Test your own diamond 

in the ASET machine or test the replicas 

provided to determine cut. 

Canadian diamonds are the most branded 

in the world! Examine the etching of a 

real branded Canadian diamond under 

a magnifier. Discover how Canadian 

diamonds are certified and see the 

certificates that are issued. 

Marvel over the most famous diamonds 

in the world! Graphic reproductions of 

five world famous diamonds. Discover the 

legend and rich history attached to each 

wondrous gem! 


Zone 700 

Exit 


Exit Recreated stylized rock tunnel. A recreated stylized rock exit gives the 

feeling of exiting the world of diamonds. 

Graphic panels showcase contributors. 


15

EXHIBIT SPECIFICATIONS 

SIZE 

200 m 2 (2,000 square feet) 

Minimum ceiling height of 2.75 m (9 feet) is required 

LANGUAGE 

French & English (Canadian dictionary) or 

English only (US dictionary) 

NUMBER OF EXHIBITS 

38 

VISIT DURATION 

Approximately 45 minutes 

RENTAL FEE 

$40,000 USD 

Plus in-bound shipping 

Three-month rental period 

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS 

Educational Guide 

Marketing Guide 

Technical Support and Operations Guide 

CONTACT 

Julie Moskalyk 

International Sales Manager 

(705) 522-3701 ext. 228 

moskalyk@sciencenorth.ca 

Traveling Exhibit 

Discover the inside secrets of diamond 

hunting geologists! Learn what it takes to 

strike it rich through the search for the worlds 

most sought after gem. Marvel at some of 

the largest and coveted stones that have 

shaped the lives of those who have possessed 

them! 


100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 5S9 

dynamicearth.ca/diamonds 


18

Exhibit Booklet - Science North

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