Geology

A comprehensive collection of all minerals, rocks and representative fossils found in Leicestershire and Rutland, plus a large collection of British and some foreign material maintained for study purposes. The geological collections are of national importance because of the diversity of rocks found within Leicestershire & Rutland and the importance of the local Precambrian rocks. Also many of the collectors have been notable authorities in their subjects.

The local rock collection contains over 6000 specimens from Leicestershire and Rutland. These include the Precambrian sedimentary, igneous, volcanoclastic and metamorphic rocks; Carboniferous coal measures and Limestones; Triassic Sandstones, Mudstones and Gypsum; Lower and mid Jurassic fossil bearing Ironstones, Clays and Limestones; and more recent glacial deposits and river gravels. Representative fossils are mainly from the Carboniferous & Jurassic periods. The majority of the Leicestershire minerals are found in association with the igneous rocks.

Notable collectors include M.Browne, H.H.Gregory, B.N.Wale, C.A.Sizer, E.E.Lowe, D.M.Blake and F.W.Bennett.

In addition there is a handling collection of rocks, fossil and minerals for use by children and the general public in handling sessions, special events and school workshops.

The geology section also holds and maintains the GIS database of site records for all the historic and current geological sites within Leicestershire and Rutland. This includes listings and information on Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS).  A comprehensive computerised database of Leicestershire and Rutland geological specimens, including locality, geological age and strata (where applicable) has been compiled.

The geological collections are stored at the Collections Resources Centre at Barrow on Soar. Equipment, facilities and expertise are available for visitors studying the geology collections. For enquiries please contact Susan Cooke on 01509 233737 or email charnwood@leics.gov.uk