More than 3,000 specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils were on display at an event to mark International Geo-Diversity Day, organised by the Osmania University College of Science, Saifabad, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), here on Tuesday.
Minerals such as gypsum, quartz, mica, talc and limestone, along with coal, plant fossils, asbestos and semi precious stones, were among the exhibits. The specimens were collected from different parts of the country, including from Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Maharashtra.
Students were sensitized to the importance of rocks, minerals, fossils and soils, and their relevance to environmental protection, sustainable development and the conservation of Earth’s natural heritage. They were also briefed on the uses of minerals, gypsum and limestone in the cement industry, quartz in the glass making and semi precious stones used in Jewellery.
Sarangi Bhargav, a student attending the event, said the programme helped him learn about the use of minerals in electronic microchips. Another student, Mithra, said the exhibition helped them understand the origin and occurrence of minerals and fossils, which are otherwise stored in boxes.
A special talk was also organised on the importance of geo-diversity and geological heritage, with particular focus on rocks, minerals, fossils and soils, and their role in understanding the evolution of the Earth, natural resources and environmental processes.
Geology department in-charge head Dr. Ch Venkatesh spoke on the importance of geology in understanding the Earth and its natural processes. He emphasised the need to protect and conserve geological heritage for the benefit of future generations.
College principal Prof. D Karuna Sagar and Intach-Hyderabad chapter convener Anuradha Reddy stressed the need to create greater awareness among students and the public regarding the conservation and sustainable use of geological resources.
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