MINERALOGY IN NEW YORK STATE

“The history of the progress of Mineralogy in the State of New York is in some measure connected with that of Geology. The former science, however, was cultivated here long before geology assumed the form of a distinct and important branch of knowledge.”

- Lewis C. Beck (1842): “Mineralogy of New York”

ABOUT THE NYSM MINERAL COLLECTION

The mineral collection of the New York State Museum contains approximately 35,000 specimens divided into two sub-collections. More then 11,000 of the specimens are in the "New York" collection and the others are in the "non-New York" collection representing world-wide localities. Almost all minerals reported from New York are in the "New York" collection. This collection contains about 280 valid mineral species, is organized based on the chemical composition and crystal structure, and the minerals are ordered according to Dana's System of Mineralogy. Validity of the mineral species is based on the International Mineralogical Association - Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification rules and reports. Species from most classic, depleted or new collection sites are represented. The mineral collection contains specimens used for public display, research, and reference. Multiple specimens of a given species from the same locality may be present in the collection to allow for study material. The "non-New York" mineral collection is dominated by specimens from sites in the Americas, but Europe and Africa are also very well represented.

A brief history of the New York State Mineral Collection could be found at
http://www.nysam.org/history.cfm