Mineralogical Inventory

Mineralogical inventory of the Canton of Vaud

This project aims to catalog the mineral species found within the canton. It is led by the curator of mineralogy, who ensures that this list is continuously updated through the study of historical collections and, above all, through field collections.

In this context, citizen science plays an essential role. Indeed, it is impossible for a single person to cover the entire territory of Vaud, which spans 3,212 km², not to mention underground work. The contribution of members of the Friends of the Museum and the Vaud Mineralogical Society is therefore invaluable. These volunteers identify and explore prospecting areas; the collected samples are then examined and preserved in the Department of Geology.

A mineral is a crystallized chemical substance that makes up rocks, which in turn form the Earth’s crust on which we live. To date, nearly 239 mineral species have been recorded in the canton of Vaud, out of approximately 6,200 known worldwide. This number may seem modest, but it includes minerals that are unique to Switzerland, very rare, or even new to science. This is particularly true of certain species found in the salt-bearing formations of the Bex mines.

Project Manager : Nicolas Meisser