Geology

A geological collection is a set of samples of minerals, rocks, and sediments. Minerals are a natural substance with a defined chemical composition, which often exhibits a certain crystalline structure that is more or less apparent. Rocks are aggregates of one or more minerals, which can have a sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Finally, sediments are particles of rocks or minerals that have been eroded from the parent rock and transported by the action of gravity, water, or wind.

This type of collection serves as testimonies to the history of our planet and the physical and chemical processes that take place within it. They provide information about the types of minerals and rocks in each region, as well as the succession of events and sedimentary environments that affected them in the past. This is very important, as many minerals have significant economic interest, ranging from agricultural products to cutting-edge electronic systems. Rocks are the material source for construction, fuel, plastics, glass, and chemicals. Sediments provide information about the environment where they were collected, as well as possible microorganisms or microfossils that are part of them. In the MUCBO | Science Museum, the geological collection from La Salle School in Palma is housed, with around two hundred samples from around the world, including the Balearic Islands. This collection was deposited in the Museum in 2006 and, in addition to its testimonial utility, also has great educational potential. Additionally, there is also a notable collection from Joan Arbona of rocks (and fossils), mainly from the Balearic Islands, with over 1,000 specimens. These types of samples, generally inert, are preserved inside hermetically sealed plastic bags to prevent dirt and other harmful agents from entering. All of them have an individual collection number that identifies them.