Large Collections
The mineral collection consists of more than 100,000 samples, of which approximately half come from deposits in Sweden. The majority of them are sorted into a systematic main collection, which is organized according to the mineral class and group to which the mineral belongs.
The systematic coverage is about 45%. The type collection contains 120 types (holotypes and cotypes), that is, samples that have been the basis for the first scientific description of a mineral.
Meteorites
The meteorite collection contains more than 1,100 samples from 337 different meteorites.
All recognized Swedish meteorites are represented, including about 200 stones from the Hessle cut that fell in 1869 in Uppland, as well as several pieces of the Muonionalusta iron meteorite from Norrbotten. Other meteorites may be extremely rare, and only small quantities of them are available.
Unique Finds
Other collections include rocks, ores, nodules, etc. Many older mines and quarries in Sweden have long been closed and are inaccessible, often flooded. Our preserved samples from these deposits and other inaccessible locations, for example in the Arctic area, are thus often the only possible source of research material when such is requested. This may be relevant both for basic research on the formation of mineral deposits and for preliminary studies in prospecting.
Rare and Unique Minerals from Sweden
Among the specialties is a large suite from the Långban mines in Filipstad municipality, Värmland (about 20,000), which are known for their wealth of rare and unique minerals, and have therefore long been the subject of research interest. Classic ore deposits such as Sala, Falun, Bastnäs (Riddarhyttan), Malmberget, and Boliden are well represented, as are the famous pegmatite occurrences Ytterby, Utö, Varuträsk, and others.
Samples collected or examined by well-known researchers, such as J. Berzelius, G. Flink, A. Hamberg, S. Hedin, W. Hisinger, A.E. Nordenskiöld, and H. Sjögren, are preserved in the collections. We also have the Bergskollegium collection, which was transferred to the museum in 1859, including older catalogs and other valuable historical documentation.
Here you can read more about the geological historical research at the museum » Read more! Opens in a new window.
Services
The collections are primarily used for research, both in internal and external projects, but also for exhibitions and education. Material can be made available to individuals affiliated with an academic institution, through loans or visits, after contact with responsible staff.
New material is continuously acquired through purchases, exchanges, gifts, and our own field collection.
Read more about our services here » Read more