Bennetts Mineral and Fossil Collection

Glass display cabinets house one collection of hand-sized mineral specimens and five more extensive collections are displayed thematically. A small collection, thematic by Australian State. There is also a micro-mount collection of minerals; and a special section on Dookie and Cosgrove minerals. The fossil collection includes many specials: 2190,000,000 Stromatolites; South Australian Archaeocytha, Eocene Horse skull, cast of Archaeopteryx, bones and teeth of Diprotodon among the 2 000 or so fossils, mostly Australian. There are 5000 to 6000 mineral specimens. The mineral collection is organised to represent Dana Classification using at least 90% Australian specimens; with labels including chemical composition. Also the thematic collections include: Indian Zeolites and associated minerals, Australian Zeolites, plus; Gypsum, Quartz, Crystalline and Quartz, Non-crystalline.

Address: 
Verney Road, Shepparton, VIC
Tel: 
058212359
Hours: 
Only by appointment
Admission: 
Free
Facilities: 
Toilets, Car and bus parking, Picnic areas, Guided tours, Special membership, education
Collection: 
5 000 to 6 000 mineral specimens, about 2 000 fossil specimens, collection is still being extended; relevant library of books and journals.

Subject:

Items

Dinosaur Fossil

Archaeopteryx

Description:
Archaeopteryx, the small dinosaur that grew feathers and flew. Only a cast of this most important fossil, as a bird ancestor (maybe all dinosaurs died out). Of the five specimens found only this one had a head.
Date:
150,000,000 years

Stromatolites

Stromatolites

Description:
First to release oxygen into Earth's water and air, start ozone layer. An early lifeform with photosynthesis. Australian, very early fossil.
Date:
2190,000,000 years

Diamond Crystals from Russia, Argyle mine, & NSW

Description:
All crystals are tetrahedrons, one is clear, cubic, pure Carbon - the Diamond.

Flexible crystals of Vivianite from Luina, Tas.

Description:
Very rare form of Vivianite. Monoclic, blue, hydrated, iron phosphate, (mineral, phosphate)

Ulrichite the new mineral from Lake Boga, Vic

Description:
Monoclinic, pale to lime green needles a hydrated, calcium, copper, uranium, phosphate. Ulrichite is the new mineral from Lake Boga, Vic. 1990.