The Gemstone Collection is relatively small, around 1600–1700 specimens, but contains some interesting and valuable specimens of faceted stones and polished ornamental minerals, including opals.
Its origins can be traced to acquisitions in the 19th century by the Industrial and Technological Museum, the Mining Department and the National Museum, but these records are vague and the provenance of many individual gemstones has been lost. The main acquisitions by the National Museum of Victoria were in the 1960s, when donations were solicited from local jewellers for new gemstone displays.
The collection is significant for its Australian component but lacks large and valuable stones faceted from the main gem minerals. Growth is limited by the cost of gemstones but will concentrate on gem minerals not so far represented (such as Australian diamonds), faceted Victorian minerals (such as sapphire, topaz and zircon) and selected overseas material.
Shaped and polished ornamental gemstones are primarily represented by cabochons, in particular varieties of agate and banded malachite. Many of these were obtained in the 19th century. The Tindall Collection is representative of work produced by hobby lapidaries of the 1970s, featuring about 120 specimens showing polished stones, mostly of Australian origin, in a range of mounts..
The collection of Australian opal gemstones includes some large cabochons or otherwise polished pieces.