The collections of the Czech Geological Survey contain paleontological, petrological, and mineralogical material, which is registered in the Central Registry of Museum-type Collections of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and thereby legally protected. These collections are of global scientific importance. The core of the paleontological collections consists of more than 5,000 type and original specimens, which are fossil specimens based on which new species were described or which were depicted in scientific publications. Additional documented items of the CGS collections are samples from mapping projects, site-specific paleontological collections, and an extensive collection of thin sections. The samples come from the Czech Republic and also from foreign localities. Database records of the collected material are available online as well.
Collections
Virtual museum application provides an opportunity to visit on-line paleontological, mineralogical and geological collections of the Czech Geological Survey. Application offers wide visual and textual documentation of the most interesting exhibits of collections for general public and experts. Also paleontological collection of Central Registry of Museum-type Collections (CES evidence) and material administrated according to law 122/2000 Sb. is included. Application contains taxonomic tree, index of terms, stratigraphy and links to interesting sites. The application allows to search using the map.
The collections of the Czech Geological Survey were founded on 6 May 1960 on the premises of Sternberg Palace, where the Central Geological Survey was located until 1994, which later became the Czech Geological Survey. Since then, the collections have grown to more than 100,000 inventoried items and are accompanied by a vast number of study and mapping project samples.
Range of services
- Study of documented and collected samples in the study room of the collections
- Preparation and conservation of paleontological and mineralogical samples – CGS staff only
- Freely accessible educational regional geology exhibition on the ground floor of the main building
- School visits to the collections
- Activities promoting the popularization of palaeontology
Collections study room
Selected samples may be studied in the study room. A NIKON SMZ 1500 binocular microscope and several digital cameras for macro and micro photography are available. Loans are only allowed in the case of study material and do not apply to type and original specimens. Details are specified in the loan regulations. The handling of paleontological and mineralogical collections is subject to strict conditions imposed by legislation (Act 122/2000 Coll. and subsequent amendments).
When are we open
The CGS collections are accessible during the workweek by appointment only (see contacts).
Collections facilities and repositories of samples from mapping projects
- Prague – Klárov: museum-type collections (paleontological sub-collection, geological-mineralogical sub-collection) with study room.
- Lužná near Rakovník: sample repository (site-specific paleontological samples, samples from mapping projects, collection of thin sections and foreign geological samples).
3D models of selected fossils from the CGS collections
Web visualization of the photogrammetric 3D model of Jurassic ammonite Lytoceras originated from the locality Štramberk.
Web visualization of the photogrammetric 3D model of Ordovician echinoderm Pyrocystites comes from the locality Osek. In the incomplete theca (an individual) of this echinoderm, several trilobites of genus Placoparia were found thanks to micro-CT visualization.
Web visualization of the photogrammetric 3D model of devonian trilobite Phacops (Pedinopariops) superstes superior in moulted position was found in Hlubočepy (part of the Prague) by the eminent professor Chlupáč, who depicted it in his publication from 1977.
Models of selected parts of the plesiosaurid skeleton
Web visualization of photogrammetric 3D models of skeletal fragments of a marine reptile of the family Elasmosauridae; Vega Island - Antarctica; Upper Cretaceous; Snow Hill Island Formation.
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