L. Bombicci Mineralogy Museum

The Museum was founded in 1860, when the Laboratory of Natural History of the Institute of Science was subdivided into three sections of Mineralogy, Geology and Zoology. The mineralogical material originating from this collection was entrusted to Professor Luigi Bombicci, who was appointed to the professional chair of Mineralogy and also became director of the Museum. Continuously enriched by donations and a complex system of exchanges, the collection now holds approximately 50,000 pieces, of which 10,000 are displayed and organized in sections of various size and importance. Systematic Mineralogy is the most significant collection, displaying over 3000 pieces. Regional Italian Mineralogy is remarkable for its collection of over 2000 items, including the notable examples of sulphur from mines in Romagna, the Marche and Sicily which are now inactive. The collection of Bolognese Mineralogy-Petrology is also striking, as it contains over 800 pieces of remarkable dimensions, including the huge pieces of gypsum, of many different varieties and appearances, the quartz “a tremia” (possibly one of the richest collections in the world), and the “phosphoric stone of Bologna” which was famous and highly sought after by medieval alchemists. Other collections include Systematic Petrology; Ancient and Modern Stones of the architect Sarti, including ornamental stones used for building during the Roman times and from the Renaissance onwards; Meteorites, with examples dating from 1492 to the present day; Ambers, with several pieces which are notable either for their colour, as those from Sicily (Simetite), or because they may have been carved during the Etruscan period.
Other lesser, but still significant collections are those of Fluorescent minerals, of antique Optical Instruments and finally Lithic Materials, used by man since the Prehistoric era.

Piazza porta S.Donato 1
Tel. ++ 39 0512094926
www.geomin.unibo.it
OPENING TIMES
Monday – Saturday: 9.30 – 13.00
CLOSED Sunday, public Holidays and August
Free entrance