Geological heritage of Mines Saint-Étienne
Since its foundation in 1816, the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne has built up significant geological collections, which were long essential to teaching. Over the years, these collections have been enriched through donations, loans(notably from the École des Mines de Paris), and samples brought back by alumni working in mines around the world.
Today, the school preserves tens of thousands of specimens, organised into thematic collections, reflecting its commitment to geological research and knowledge transmission.
Collection Overview
- General Palaeontology
Fossils spanning a vast time range, from the Proterozoic to the Quaternary period. - Plant Fossils
A reference collection used to define the European Stephanian stage (late Carboniferous period). - Mineralogy and Ore Deposits
Specimens from renowned mines worldwide. - Crystallographic Models
Educational models made from wood and terracotta. - Collections from Former Professors and Researchers
Includes regional samples from the Massif Central and specimens from Morocco. - Rock Samples
Sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, providing insights into geological processes.
These collections, while primarily educational, also hold scientific value due to the rarity, scientific significance, or aesthetic quality of certain specimens. Historic catalogues provide partial inventories of these precious geological collections.
The Geology Collections of the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne
Discover the significance and diversity of our collections, highlighting their scientific, educational, and heritage value. A production by La Rotonde.
Restoration and Promotion of the Collections
Ces dernières années, sous l’impulsion de Bernard Guy, les collections ont été réorganisées et les inventaires repris, grâce au soutien de collègues du centre Sciences des Processus Industriels et Naturels (SPIN), d’autres personnels de l’école et de nombreux bénévoles passionnés :
- Jean Chalier and Yves Masson from the Stéphanois Mineralogy Club, for the mineral collection.
- Jean Rieu, honorary professor at the school, for the collection of wooden crystallographic models.
- Michel Pouzadoux, for the former professors’ collections, the consolidation of the mineralogy database (ore deposits and type specimens), general and regional petrology, general palaeontology, and Carboniferous palaeontology(ongoing work).
A rich historical documentary collection, including books, atlases, and archives on mining, palaeontology, mineral resources, applied geology, metallurgy, and chemistry, is also preserved at the school and the Saint-Étienne Media Library, complementing the geological collections.
Since September 2023, a mission has been launched to manage, restore, and promote these collections, aiming to reintroduce this scientific and cultural heritage to the public. Gradually, the collections are regaining a dynamic and central place within the institution, while actively contributing to the geoscience research, conservation, and outreach community.
Projects and Future Perspectives
Several projects are currently underway, including the finalisation of inventories, the reorganisation of storage facilities, the reclassification of thematic collections, and the development of educational projects and outreach activities (such as sample loans and temporary exhibitions).
These initiatives are deeply rooted in the history and heritage of the school while addressing contemporary and future challenges, particularly in the fields of industrial resources and energy transition.
These actions are aligned with a forward-looking vision, supporting the Campus of the Future project at Mines Saint-Étienne, ensuring the long-term enhancement of the collections.
Contact
- Ségolène Courant
Project Manager for the Management and Promotion of the School’s Geology Collections and Heritage
Mail: segolene.courant@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 49 97 23
See also
Galery
