Fossil and Petrology collections, New South Wales facts for kids

The Fossil and Petrology collections are two special groups of items found in Londonderry, New South Wales, Australia. They are like a huge library of ancient life and rocks! These collections are owned by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. They are so important that they were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means they are protected because of their historical and scientific value.

A Glimpse into the Past: History of the Collections

The Petrology Collection began way back in the 1870s. Over the years, these collections have grown to include many unique and valuable items. They help us understand the Earth's history in New South Wales.

Discovering the Collections

These collections are very important for understanding the natural history of New South Wales. They are used by scientists and researchers from all over the world.

The Fossil Collection: Ancient Life Preserved

The fossil collection is incredibly special. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient plants and animals. They are unique and cannot be replaced once they are gone. This collection helps us learn about life that existed millions of years ago.

What's Inside the Fossil Collection?

The fossil collection has different types of specimens:

• Larger fossils: These are still partly in the rock where they were found.
• Microfossils: These are tiny fossils that have been carefully taken out of the rock.
• Thin sections: These are very thin slices of rock with fossils, prepared for looking at under a microscope.

Why are Fossils Important?

These fossils are a unique record of New South Wales' geological history. They are the basis for hundreds of scientific studies and reports. Scientists use them to understand how plants and animals have changed over time. Many fossils in the collection are "type specimens." These are the original examples used to name and describe new species. Keeping them safe is very important for science.

Size and Value of the Fossil Collection

The main fossil collection has almost 40,000 larger specimens. There are also about 10,000 smaller items, like microfossil slides. Many of these fossils are beautiful enough to be put on display. They are a key resource for studying stratigraphy (the study of rock layers) and paleontology (the study of ancient life) in New South Wales. Researchers from around the world use this collection for their work.

The Petrology Collection: Rocks and Minerals

The Petrology Collection is all about rocks and their tiny details. Petrology is the study of rocks, including how they form and what they are made of. This collection contains 70,000 rocks and thin sections.

How the Petrology Collection Started

This collection began in the 1870s as two separate groups. One had 9,000 rocks, and the other had 43,000 thin sections. After 1912, they combined into one large collection that continues to grow today.

Why Old Rock Samples are Special

The older parts of the collection are very important. Many of these rocks came from old mine sites that no longer exist. This means those specific samples cannot be collected again. Some samples are even famous worldwide. For example, there's a thin section from a rock that contained a diamond! Many newer samples are also hard or very expensive to replace, like those from the Snowy Mountain tunnels or deep drill holes.

Using the Petrology Collection

Scientists often use handwritten lists from the older parts of the collection. However, much of this information is now stored in a digital database called ROCKS. Both the old and new parts of the collection are kept together and are used regularly by researchers.

Protecting Our Heritage: Listing the Collections

Both the Fossil and Petrology Collections are considered to be of "State Significance." This means they are extremely important to the history and science of New South Wales.

As of February 2001, the fossil collections were recognized for their unique and irreplaceable nature. They offer an unmatched record of the state's geological past. The large number of specimens, including those suitable for display, makes them a vital resource for global research.

By November 2000, the Petrology Collection was also recognized as having State significance. Its vast number of rock and thin section samples, especially the older ones from inaccessible sites, make it invaluable.

The Fossil and Petrology Collections were officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This listing helps ensure these precious collections are preserved for future generations.