EDINBURGH.- A new permanent display, Evolving Earth, explores how the diversity of minerals has increased over time – from the formation of the first diamonds preserved in the Allende Meteorites reflecting the early universe, right up to a plastic pipe with gypsum crystals less than 40 years old. While gypsum is a naturally occurring substance, human industrial activity has had a significant impact on where and in what forms it is found.
Dr Rachel Walcott, Principal Curator of Earth Systems, said: “The story of mineral formation is a central part of the story of our planet, so it’s important to bring it up to date with examples of the impact of humans on processes which have been going on almost since the universe began.
As minerals and rocks continue to form, humans are leaving their imprint on the geological record, leading scientists to coin the term Anthropocene. Activities such as mining, waste production and shipping are moving material and creating new environments and destroying old ones in ways not previously seen in nature.”
Other major events are also covered, including the formation of the Moon, represented by a lunar meteorite, also on display for the first time, and the Great Oxidation Event of around 2.4 billion years ago, when tiny lifeforms called cyanobacteria started emitting oxygen. This paved the way for large, complex life like us and triggered an explosion in the diversity of mineral species, many of which are beautiful and hugely colourful.
The Evolving Earth display is part of the free, permanent galleries at the National Museum of Scotland
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
