Founded in 1904 as part of the Egyptian Geological Survey (1896) under the direction of the Ottoman Khedive of Egypt, Ismail Pasha, the Egyptian Geology Museum in Cairo, is the first geology museum in the Middle East and Africa.

The centuries-old museum hosts precious stones, various animal skeletons and rare fossils illuminating Egypt’s geological past.

The geological history of Egypt as indicated by its fauna and flora is displayed in the Museum.

There is also the unique collection of the Fayoum vertebrate fossils on display and a large collection of minerals, ores and rocks.

Moreover, a very valuable collection of meteorites discovered in Egypt and from other places in the world are displayed. These include the famous Egyptian meteorite “Nakhlite” believed to be from Mars.

The Museum is served by a library with references that date as far back as 1778, in addition to up to date references and bibliographies. These are available to the public and scientists.

The Museum also includes some specialized laboratories for mineralogical, petrological and paleontological (both vertebrate and invertebrate) studies. Models for rare vertebrate fossils are made to facilitate detailed studies and preserve the original specimens.

The Museum shares in the studies conducted on the protectorates and outstanding geological features in order to raise the public environmental awareness.

The Geological Museum plays the essential role of introducing earth sciences to the public. It emphasizes the geology of Egypt, its minerals, rocks and fossils, through well-organized displays.

The Museum participates in the advancement of scientific research through collaboration with scientists from Egypt and abroad, who seek out famous collections of vertebrate fossils and meteorites.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency