THE Rockery Gemstone Museum has been an institution in Longwood for more than 20 years, with a collection of gemstones, fossils, crystals and minerals from all over the world on display and available for purchase.

Operated by Longwood local Maurie Brodie, the distinctively painted museum has been a must–visit stop for tourists, school students, car clubs and more.

Nine rooms inside showcase a variety of intriguing and unique items, making the free admission certainly worthwhile.

While inside you can enjoy a tour of the museum run by Mr Brodie, who has no hesitation providing expert insight and riveting anecdotes about the colourful pieces on display.

Each room has a particular focus or colour theme including a fossil room, blue room and pink room.

A highlight for all visitors, particularly the kids, is the illuminated crystals room.

Hidden behind a curtain, the vibrant glow of gems contrasts with the darkness of the small room, creating a visually spectacular sight.

The Rockery includes much more than just gemstones and crystals, with a fantastic collection of fossils, vintage bottles and artefacts, petrified wood and model Holden cars.

If you're lucky, Mr Brodie may even show off his own vehicle collection, highlighted by an incredibly rare 1977 Holden HZ Premier.

Guests can rest up with tea or coffee served personally by Mr Brodie in the delightful tea room inside the Rockery.

All items purchased come with details about the gemstones, including their age and where they were sourced from.

Open Wednesday–Sunday from 10am–5pm, The Rockery is the perfect stop for anyone visiting Longwood or the rest of the North East.