Geoscience
How the collections are used
The collections are used by a wide range of people, and for many purposes. Scientific researchers study and analyse specimens to find new mineral species, document complex chemical environments, describe the mineral suite of a locality, or find relationships between different mineral groups. Meteorite specialists analyse and classify samples from our meteorites to investigate conditions existing, and processes operating, in the early stages of formation of our Solar System. Operators of complex analytical equipment need pure mineral standards for calibrating their instruments.
Some examples of how the collections are used include:
- Companies exploring for minerals in former mining areas want to examine ore specimens found from the earlier mining periods.
- Mining historians investigating locality names and types of specimens being mined at different times.
- People researching family histories check whether relatives have donated specimens in the past, or seek records of past known donations.
- Artists intrigued by the range of interesting shapes formed by minerals sketching these for studies on symmetry and form. Installation artists often borrow specimens to incorporate in their work.
- Teachers borrowing specimens to illustrate class lectures.
- Museums, art galleries and other institutions borrowing specimens for display in their special exhibitions.
- Mineral shows and lapidary exhibitions inviting guest displays of specimens to add interest to their events.
- Film companies and advertisers borrowing specimens for film props and backgrounds for advertising.
Finally, the specimens are used in many different kinds of displays and exhibitions within the Australian Museum and in travelling exhibitions, and are used to illustrate lectures and talks given by staff.
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