U-M offers $1,000 reward for return of gems, stones

An opal and vesicle of volcanic rock, above, and a lapis lazuli, below, are among 68 stolen gems and stones. (Photo courtesy Images Department Of Public Safety)

The University has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the theft of 68 gem and stone samples from the C.C. Little Science Building.

Some of the items included minerals, cut and processed gems, and other items made with semi-precious stones including a letter opener and a jewelry box.

The items, estimated to be valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, were stolen in two thefts last week, says Diane Brown, director of communications for the Department of Public Safety.

The first incident occurred March 15, when someone broke into a third floor display case and stole items off a shelf. Two days later, samples were taken from six to seven other display cases on the third floor. Police investigating the scene discovered damage to the loading dock door of the building.

While the individual gems and minerals are of relatively low value on the open market, the greater loss is in the educational value they provided, Brown says.