The idea of creation of “Samotsvety” collection fund, the aim of which was to enlarge the base of gemstone raw materials of Russia and to create demonstrative gemstone collection, belongs to the prominent scientist, geologist and academician Sidorenko A.V. All-Soviet Union geological association “Soiuzkvartssamotsvet”, headed by A.P. Turinge was authorized to implement this project. In 1973 the “Tsvetnye kamni” (Gemstones) showroom was created. It was headed by A.I. Kuvarzin. The purpose of its creation was a conducting of integrated geological study, wide usage of domestic gemstone treasures, creating of collection mineral fund, organization of gemstones and stone artworks export. Many geoplogical associations and expeditions took active part in acquisition of funds, which later became the museum exposition. They brought unique minerals specimens from various mineral deposits of the USSR to “Tsvetnye kamni” (Gemstones) showroom. A lot of geologists presented their collections to the showroom. Among them there were famous scientists: V.I. Smirnov and V.A. Yarmoliuk, Minister of geology of the USSR E.A. Kozlovskii, first deputy minister B.P. Zubarev, Ministers of natural resources of RF V.P. Orlov and B.A. Yatskevich. In 1978 on the basis of the showroom there was created Moscow “Exportsamotsvety” (Export gems) special-purpose geological exploratory expedition. From that time geologists who worked in expedition, started systematic exploration works with the aim of discovering collection and gemstone raw material all over the territory of the USSR. During the years of 1978-1984 “Exportsamotsvety” expedition conducted prospect evaluation survey in Caucasus, Chukotka, Urals, Transbaikalia, Primorski Krai, Tuva, Yakutia, Kazakstan and a number of other regions. Most imposing collection was gathered at the deposits of Far East, Chukotka, Kazakstan, Caucasus, Middle Asia. As a result, the significan part of mineralogical exposition (about 70%) was collected at that years by the employees of “Exportsamotsvety” expedition, headed by A. I. Kuvarzin, chief engineer A.A. Yusipov, chief geoplogist Chuprov B.I. and talented geologists: V.I. Chuprov, I.I. Fradkin, V.S. Chernavtsev, E.E. Dramsheva, L.E. Shurpe, Yu.L. Tatarinov, B.A. Tochilin, B.A. Nifantov and others. In 1994 “Tsvetnye kamni” (Gemstones) showroom was renamed to State organization of culture "Museum of colored stones and gemstones “Samotsvety”". A.A. Yusipov was appointed to the position the Director of Museum. In 2000, by order of Ministry of Natural Resources the mueum was converted to the Federal State Body “Samotsvety” (Gems) museum. It ought to be noted that for a long time “Samotsvety” (Gems) museum has been a departmental institution and was therefore closed for wide public. The public activity of the museum (excursions, wide access to the museum) began in 1999, when redesign and all necessary arrangements to prepare the museum display for visitors were completed.