Mineral Collection

The Mineral Collection was formally established in 1808 with the creation of the Chair of Mineralogy. However, many of its specimens can be traced back to collections of the late 18th century, such as those of Sir Abraham Hume and the Duchess of Portland.

About half of the 40,000 – 55,000 specimens of the present collection came in four collections: Hume (acquired 1841), H. Brooke (1857), J. Carne (1899) and T. Wiltshire (1897). Also notable are the holdings of sulphides and sulphosalts from the Binntal in Switzerland, and the meteorites. The collection is growing slowly by donation and purchase. Display-quality specimens from around the world are occasionally purchased. Representative specimens from current British locations are purchased or accepted as donations.