It is named after William Whewell, the third Professor of Mineralogy. Topics for the original displays were connected to the use of minerals in everyday life, whether for industry or the arts. The cabinets around the walls are intended to illustrate different mineral groups which are, or have been, important in human industry. Gypsum is an important constituent of plasters and plasterboard since water can be driven out of the structure by heating. Apatite is arguably one of the most important minerals to humans as it is the main constituent of bones and teeth as well as providing the phosphorus essential for the functioning of the DNA molecule.
Gemstones are perhaps the best known and most desired type of mineral.
Why minerals have the colours they do is very complex and this display is partly an attempt to explain what is going on and partly a glorious celebration of the richness and variety of hue that minerals can show. Calcite is one of the commonest minerals in the crust of the Earth. It is also one of the most varied in terms of the colours it can show and the external shapes of its crystals, despite its simple fundamental chemistry of CaCO 3 and its simple rhombohedral structure. Staff and Access Most of the collection is in store but access for serious researchers can be arranged with appropriate notice.