Mineral Sciences Group

We preserve, manage and curate the UK national mineral and gem collections, a record of global mineralogical diversity and the basis for our geological research.

We are studying the fundamentals of mineral diversity as a record of the dynamic geological and environmental processes that have shaped Earth.

How do crystal structures interact with the geological environment and how can society use them for new technologies? 

Understanding the distribution and geological significance of water within Earth helps us develop models of how water circulates deep within our planet, as well on the surface of Mars.

We are studying the fundamental properties of minerals to better understand the geological, geochemical and geophysical forces that have influenced the evolution Earth and other planets, moons and asteroids in the solar system.

Clay minerals are an integral part of the global water and nutrient cycles. They indicate past environmental conditions and play an important role in catastrophic events.

The X-ray diffraction facility comprises several state-of-the-art instruments used for phase identification, quantification and crystal structure analysis.

We are exploring the origins and evolution of the Sun, Moon, planets, asteroids and comets.

With access to a collection of rare meteorites like Ivuna and samples from the Apollo missions, planetary geologists from the Museum are exploring new analytical techniques to narrow down where our water came from and what happened to it along the way.