Research Facilities

The following facilities are available for visiting researchers to use:

  • Basic photography set-up: copy stand; lighting; black or white backgrounds.
  • Stereo dissecting binocular microscope for hand specimens.
  • Optical transmitted light microscope for thin sections.
  • Specimen trolley, safety barriers & power supply for working out on the public galleries.
  • Lab benches for laying out specimens.
  • Wifi internet access and/or computer access for checking emails, bibliographic references etc.
  • Car parking space.

The collections are split between several sites a few miles apart. Each building has slightly different facilities available. Please contact us with your requirements prior to your visit and we will do our best to fulfil your needs.

To arrange a research visit to study our collections please contact us.

    



Monday to Friday
10:00 to 13:00 & 14:00 to 17:00

Saturday
10:00 to 16:00 

Sunday
CLOSED



Aug 13, 2019
A modern day treasure hunt

This summer, young visitors to some of our UCM museums have the opportunity to participate in an exciting artist-led treasure hunt. Hidden Tales: the Riddle of the White Sphinx, created by Mark Wells and Sorrel May, and illustrated by Jennifer Bell encourages families to explore our museums in a different way... Author Mark Wells tells all here.
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Jul 12, 2019
50 years on, the Moon still rocks!

Fifty years ago, Cambridge mineralogist, Dr Stuart Agrell was given VIP treatment and a police escort after flying into Heathrow from the USA because he was carrying a bag full of very precious rock material. The samples were amongst the most expensive ever collected as they had been retrieved from the moon by two of the American Apollo 11 mission astronauts. The programme of their investigation was a remarkable and unprecedented example of international scientific collaboration, which still continues.

Stuart Agrell on the underground with a carpet bag of rocks from the Apollo 11 missionGuess what I’ve got in my bag? 50 years ago, Cambridge mineralogist, Stuart Agrell nonchalantly carried some of the most valuable rocks ever collected back to Cambridge in his holdall. (© Mirrorpix, reproduced with permission)

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