The Society of Studies of the Lavrion Region founded the
Mineralogical Museum
of Lavrion, with the aim of highlighting
one of the most important aspects of the region's natural wealth.
The Museum is dedicated to the memory of A. Kordellas (1836-1909), the major contributor
to the revival of modern-day Lavrion. The Lavrion area is one of the most favoured
sites in the world from the point of view of its variety of minerals, and samples
of its minerals are displayed in the greatest Natural History Museums.
The Mineralogical Museum of Lavrion is housed in a small but noteworthy
example of the industrial architecture of the 19th century (1873), in the remains
of the important metal-washing plant of the Greek Society. In the Museum's showcases
are exhibited approximately 700 samples of 115 different kinds of minerals, classified
according to the norms of mineralogical science (DANA 1850), into the following
categories: sulphides, sulphates, native elements, halogens, limes, oxides-hydroxides,
arsenides, vanadiums. All the exhibits are in crystal form.
Some of the exhibits are exceedingly rare (annabergites, serpierites,
spangolites, laventulanites, etc.), while others are particularly beautiful specimens
(azurite, adamsite, smithsonite, etc.). There are also rare specimens of the famous
"slag minerals".
In addition to the minerals exhibited, one can also see objects related
to the extraction and refining of ores (lead ingots, slag cones, lead monoxides,
types of lead and slag, digging implements and lamps, apparatus used for the transportation
of ores, A. Kordellas walking stick, etc.).
