The Trophy exhibit contains specimens that are neither precious stones or metals nor gemstones. And yet they enjoy a special place in the collection. This is because they are either the best specimen known for a particular species, or rare but very well formed specimens; or again, well known specimens having once belonged to collections that are prestigious or that have received much publicity in the specialized press.

Due to their fame or rarity these specimens were most often acquired after fierce bidding wars against determined museums or collectors—hence their trophy status. Several other pieces in the systematic part of the collection can also claim the title of trophy and so choices, sometimes arbitrary, had to be made to limit the number of trophies and offer a balanced exhibition.

The layout of the trophy exhibit takes its inspiration from the podiums in athletic competitions. At the top of the pyramid is one of the most spectacular minerals in the collection, a legrandite piece from Mexico formed of two brilliant yellow sheaves in a V-shape. This piece was chosen to throne over the other minerals in the display not only for it yellow color, unusual in minerals, and because this particular species is rare and generally offers up small specimens. But it has also earned its place at the summit because it comes from the most beautiful mineral collection in Mexico and is known to be the most beautiful sample of its species. Above all, it was acquired only after a two-year battle. Not far is the most beautiful acanthite known, also from Mexico and made of an ensemble of perfectly formed crystals that resembles an abstract modern sculpture. All the other pieces have their story, an unusual size, an exceptional shape or brilliant colors to offer. These, the best specimens of the mineral world, have been arranged to condense the latter’s incredible diversity into a single exhibit.