Minerals are commonly described as homogenous, naturally occurring solids with a definite chemical composition and a distinct arrangement of atoms. Minerals contain a variety of elements such as silicon, calcium, oxygen etc. Minerals that are most common in rocks are called rock forming minerals such as quartz while other types of minerals such as diamonds (gemstones) can be described as commercially valuable minerals. Iziko Museums of South Africa is home to a mineral collection of approximately 10,000 specimens of many different minerals.
Rocks are composed of individual or an assemblage of minerals. Rocks are divided into three basic groups, namely igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Igneous rocks are rocks that form when magma (molten rock) rises to the Earth’s surface and solidifies.
The Cape Granite Suite and the Karoo dolerite intrusions are examples of igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks form through the coalescence, cementation and subsequent hardening of pre-existing rock and sediment material and are the most common rock type.
Table Mountain is made up of Malmesbury Shale below and Graafwater Formation mudstones and sandstones, and Peninsula Sandstone above it; which are examples of sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphic rocks form as a result of the transformation of existing rocks into new rocks as a result of increased temperature and pressure.
Iziko Museums of South Africa houses a wide variety of rock samples providing insight into the Earth’s composition and processes; both past and present.
The Rocks and Minerals Collections at the Iziko Museum of South Africa includes a fine collection of calcite, a large collection from the former Tsumeb Mines in Namibia, rhodochrosite from Hotazel in the Northern Cape and numerous other rock and mineral specimens. There is also a unique meteorite collection, including both iron and stony chondrites and a rare carbonaceous chondrite.
Iziko South African National Gallery
General Enquiries
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3800
Fax: +27 (0)21 481 3993
Email: info@iziko.org.za
Media enquiries and press releases
Zikhona Jafta
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3838
Fax: +27 (0)21 461 9620
Email: mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
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Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update.
Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted.
The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.
Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery,
Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge.
Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery.
By order
Iziko Management.