The practical significance of the mineralogical and petrographic collections in the Geological and Geographical Department of the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University Natural Museum
Authors: Hodzinska Iryna , Chernega Petro 
Published: August 2023

The Geological and Geographical Department of the Natural Museum of the Yuriy Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University preserves reference minerals and rocks. It is one of the oldest university museums in Ukraine. Educational, scientific and research work using exposition and stock collections are the key aspects of the museum’s activity. The mineralogical and petrographic collection consists of about 13,000 exhibits. Each mineral and rock are represented by several samples from different deposits and regions to provide in-depth study and development of mineralogical and petrographic knowledge.

During the practical course, students learn to combine theoretical and practical knowledge, to distinguish and work with the main real samples of rocks and, to classify minerals according to their physical properties; to distinguish rocks by structural and textural features, and to determine the conditions of their formation. Systematized collections of minerals and rock samples, kept in showcases and funds as well as relevant exhibits of the educational collection, are used in the educational courses in the Geological and Geographical department of the Museum. Basic tools such as glass, porcelain, reference minerals, 10% hydrochloric acid solution, magnifying glass, mining compass, matches etc. for diagnosing samples are provided. Special attention should be paid to safety measures when students work with samples, as well as additional tools for diagnostics. The safety issues refer careful handling of hydrochloric acid solution, cutting and pricking objects.

Educational diagnostics of minerals starts with determining the most characteristic optical properties, as they can be established immediately. At the next stage, the mineral hardness according to the Mohs scale standards or by additional improvised tools is determined. The next stage involves determining the nature of the fracture and cleavage. Then carbonates are checked for the reaction of the sample with a solution of hydrochloric acid. Finally, based on the established signs and with the help of determinants, the conclusion about the mineral name and its reference to a certain class is made by students. The answer can be supplemented with information about the origin and forms of mineral occurrence in nature and the field of use.

The examination and diagnostics of rocks is carried out according to the certan plan. First, the appearance of the rock sample is carefully examined with the naked eye and with the help of a magnifying glass. The colour, structural and textural features are determined. Acidity or basicity is established for igneous rocks. In the case of sedimentary rocks, the reaction to the action of hydrochloric acid, the size and nature of inclusions, the nature of cement are inspected. All the determined signs and properties of the samples are recorded in the laboratory work journals. With the help of identifiers, the name of the rock is established and the description is supplemented with the engineering and geological characteristics and fields of use.

Based on the examination of the exhibition samples and the funds of the Geological and Geographical Department of the Natural Museum, students get fundamental knowledge about the geography and distribution of world minerals, rocks, and mineral resources. They acquire the skills of independent work with museum collections. The skills can be successfully applied in the scientific and applied institutions in the field, oil production enterprises, geological exploration organizations, etc.