Australian Museum Mineralogy Collection
Mineralogy and Petrology are the study of minerals and rocks.
- Minerals are classified in species according to their chemical composition and crystal structure.
- Rocks are made up of aggregates of minerals.
About Earth Sciences: Mineralogy and Petrology
The Australian Museum Mineral collection covers 1290 different mineral species. Most come from New South Wales but other Australian and world localities are also represented. Special features are Broken Hill and New England minerals, gemstones, ornamental and carved minerals, zeolites and the world-famous Albert Chapman Collection.
The rock collection is mostly from eastern Australia, but includes specimens from all states and many overseas localities. There are also historic specimens from Antarctica collected by Sir Douglas Mawson in the early 1900s.
The Australian Museum holds Australia's oldest and most diverse meteorite and tektite collections. Meteorites are rocks that come from outside earth, and tektites are earth-rocks that have been melted by meteoric impacts. Australian meteorites include several rare types and have been important for research into the origins of the solar system and possible origins of life.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Featured product
Gemstones and Minerals of Australia
Lin Sutherland and Gayle Webb - Published by New Holland 2000, (Paperback)
Price: $24.95
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.