Subcollection 1 - Mineralogy

The systematical collection of minerals is the most vast subcollection with about 14000 objects. It has been reorganized from 2003 until 2009 according to the mineral system published by Strunz & Nickel (2001). The collection represents most mineral groups including their key representatives. Here, the beauty of the pieces played only a minor role. The originally intended complete exhibition of all mineral groups could not be maintained in the second half of the 20th century.

According to a directory, created for the outsourcing during the Second World War and which has been preserved, it appears that the collection of minerals has suffered almost no losses. After the return of the handpieces, the collection was rearranged and expanded by targeted acquisitions under the direction of H. Schumann, Director of the Institute of Mineralogy and Geology (1954 to 1961). By the work of H. Schneider, a further expansion of the collection followed after 1961. In addition, at the instigation of S. Grunert minerals were purchased from the Saxon mining industry in the 60s.

In the following decades, a crucial re-archiving and reorganization of the systematical collection of minerals could not be realized. Only in 1994, this work was resumed. Today, the entire stock is recorded in the collection database "Minerals".

The presentation of the collection is arranged in two rooms on approx. 75 m² and displayed in 16 showcases. In the exhibition, each mineral class is represented in at least one showcase.

Impressions of the subcollection 1 -  Mineralogy

Showroom 1

Showroom 2