An almost complete exoskeleton of the trilobite  Megistaspis (Megistaspidella) cf. M. convexa Bohlin  from the Lower Ordovician Holen limestone, Storsjön area, central Sweden .
Photo: K.-E.  Alnavik.

During the almost 150 years of its existence, SGU has collected large quantities of samples of rocks and soil. These samples are handled by a function named Collection.

The processing and analysis of samples generate many types of derivatives, thin sections, polished samples, prepared fossils, powder from chemical analyses, micro-palaeontological samples etc. Samples and derivatives are extremely valuable as they constitute evidence from sites that can no longer be accessed. They can also make up important time chains that are crucial to assessments of subsequent environmental impacts, and, naturally, they are very important in the context of SGU’s surveying activities.

When information has been processed and documented it is stored in databases made available in SGU’s data system.

In the case of some of the subunits of SGU’s Collection, especially SGU’s type collection of fossils, the degree of accessibility is determined by international rules governing museums. As a result, SGU has pledged itself to manage type material in the future and to guarantee that it will be made available to research worldwide.

Contact SGU for more information about the Collection.