Rocks are composed of minerals which, like plants and animals, are an essential part of natural history - without them there would be no planet Earth and no life.
Minerals and rocks have been represented in the British Museum's collections since its formation in 1753.
Near the entrance to the mineral gallery, where the science of mineralogy is introduced, there is a collection of mineral curios donated by the founder of the British Museum, Sir Hans Sloane. These unusual bowls, rings and ornaments were transferred to South Kensington in 1881.
The main part of the gallery is occupied by cases of minerals displayed according to their chemical composition and structure. About 3,000 different minerals are known and new ones are discovered each year. They come in an amazing variety of colours and shapes.
Gemstones are minerals that are cut and prized for their beauty and durability. Throughout the gallery there are exquisite examples of fine crystals and gemstones. And, should you wish to see more, there is another fine collection on display in the Gemstones exhibition.
At the far end of the gallery is the popular meteorite pavilion. The Earth is continually bombarded with natural rock fragments from space. Most burn up in the atmosphere, producing 'shooting stars', but if they reach the Earth's surface they are known as meteorites.
Altogether about 4,000 different meteorites have been recovered and pieces of about half of these are in the Museum's collections.
Illustrations:
