Museum of Geology and Mineralogy of I.V. Bel’kov (Geological Institute of the KSC RAS): on the threshold of the 90th anniversary

Abstract

Musium of Geology and Mineralogy of I.V. Bel’kov of the Geological Institute (GI) of the Kola Science Centre of the RAS is located in Apatity city, Murmansk region, in the FRC KSC RAS building. Officially, the Museum GI was created in 1957, although it has been leading its history since the 30s of 20th century. The history of the Museum is closely connected with the names of such outstanding researchers of the Kola North as academician A. E. Fersman and doctor of geological and mineralogical sciences I. V. Bel’kov. In 2009, the Museum was named after I. V. Bel’kov. The exposition of the Museum is the most complete collection of minerals and rocks of the Kola region. Among them are rare and new minerals, which are unique in their assiciation, forms of crystal, sizes and beauty of colors. This give a great value to the collections and arouse great interest of visitors. Samles of minerals and rock come to Museum from different geological objects in the Kola region exclusively: Khibiny and Lovozero, Kovdor, Keivy, Pechenga etc. The presented samples of minerals, rocks and ores allow us to estimate the richness and diversity of the stone world of the Kola region. The Museum workers are engaged not only in accounting, but also in scientific and educational activities. Constant work with old collections leads to the discovery of previously unknown minerals in the region, and with the participation of employees of the GI CSC RAS, new mineral species are discovered. Every five years there is a “Catalogue of mineral species of the Kola region”, which is constantly updated. In 2020, it will be 90 years since the formation of the first Museum of geology and mineralogy in the Kola region.