Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and a regular atomic structure. From this basis come all their physical properties.

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Gemstones

When we speak of gemstones, we usually mean minerals that have been cut and polished, but a great variety of materials have been used by humans for decoration. Find about the minerals that form gemstones and the processes that shape them.

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Geology Rocks Drawing Competition 2009

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Mineral specimens

Chemical and physical properties of minerals

Minerals have chemical and physical properties that determine their internal structure and external form and are classified and identified accordingly.

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Geology Rocks!

Each year to celebrate International Earth Science Week, the Australian Museum holds the Geology rocks! drawing competition. The results are then displayed here on our site.

More about Geology Rocks!
- Geology Rocks Drawing

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Geology Rocks Drawing competition finalists 2010

Minerals in the Australian Museum Collection

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.