Donate Rocks, Minerals, Core, and Historical Documents
The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) accepts donations of geological materials, historical documents, and other data that support educational, scientific, and preservation efforts. Your contributions help build public collections, advance research, and promote earth science education for all ages.
Donation Types
The extensive core library at the Utah Core Research Center.
Borehole Materials
Cores, Cuttings, Core Chips, Side Wall Plugs, Other Borehole Materials
These materials are added to the Utah Core Research Center (UCRC) library and are made available for public viewing. They are used for workshops by companies, universities, and researchers studying subsurface geology, resource exploration, and geologic history.
Donation Information
The UGS cannot provide tax-related guidance or documentation. It is the donor’s responsibility to consult with a tax professional to determine whether their contribution qualifies for a deduction. Additionally, tax-exempt status and accessibility to donated materials after the contribution are not guaranteed.
Once donated, all materials become state property and though we work to preserve all materials, we cannot guarantee that any donated materials will be retained or displayed indefinitely. Donors of core and cutting samples are granted complimentary viewing access after the donation.
The UGS sometimes accepts donations with a period of confidentiality, if requested. During this time, the materials will remain private, but after the confidentiality period ends, they will become publicly available for research and educational purposes.
For donation inquiries, please contact us.
FAQs
How do I donate materials to the UGS
If you have materials relating to the geology of Utah that you would like to donate to the UGS, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the relevant UGS representative listed above to discuss the specifics of your donation. Donors may be asked to fill out a donation form detailing the history and content of their materials.
Can the UGS pick up a donation or pay for shipping?
The UGS expects donors to arrange drop off or shipping of donated materials; the UGS does not have the budget for shipping costs. Sometimes UGS staff can arrange to pick up materials if they are local to Salt Lake City or nearby, but this will be accommodated on a case by case basis. In rare cases of substantial donations (e.g., pallets of well core), transport arrangements may be made. Please contact the relevant UGS representative listed above if you would like to discuss transport options for your materials.
What type of information do you need for a donation?
For physical rock specimens (core, hand samples, etc.) we require basic information on provenance, location, and any other identifying information. If you have a donation lacking any supporting data please contact us to discuss your materials.
Do you provide appraisals for donated materials?
The UGS is legally and ethically prohibited from providing monetary estimates of the values of objects or specimens. A donor requiring an appraisal needs to seek the services of an accredited appraiser.
Can I donate materials that are not from Utah?
In general, our collections prioritize materials that are relevant to the geology of Utah. In certain cases, materials from areas adjacent to Utah may be considered relevant enough to be included in our collection. If you have non-Utah materials please contact us to discuss your collection.
Are there any materials you cannot accept?
The UGS is committed to maintaining high quality protocols to ensure safety of our staff and members of the public interested in our collections. If your material may be deemed hazardous (e.g., asbestos, radioactive material, minerals with potentially harmful elements) please contact us to discuss your donation.
What happens to my materials after they are donated?
Donated materials are inventoried and added to our internal catalogs. Depending on the materials, they may be displayed or stored in the Utah Core Research Center or at the Utah Geological Survey’s Salt Lake Office, or moved to offsite storage. Materials that can be digitized will generally be scanned and added to our digital collections (and paper copies may be discarded). There is no guarantee that the UGS will keep all donated materials. Donations that we do not keep in our collection are often utilized as educational materials in K-12 schools and universities in Utah.
Can I access my donation after it is made?
Typically, materials are accessible after donation once they are cataloged into our collections. Physical rock materials are stored at the Utah Core Research Center; paper reports are scanned and added to our digital collections. However, there is no guarantee that donations will be accessible or publicly available after donation. If you have specific access needs after donation please speak with one of the UGS representatives listed above and we will work with you to accommodate your needs.
Will my donation be credited to me?
We appreciate our donors and work hard to celebrate those who have contributed materials to our collections. Donor information is included in the inventory process for each item and credited publicly if on display. If you have specific ideas on how you would like recognition for your donation, please contact one of the UGS representatives above.
Can I specify how my donation is used?
Although we try to accommodate donor preferences, it is not always possible for donated materials to be used in a specific way, e.g., display. If you have a preference on how you would like your donated materials to be used, please contact one of the UGS representatives above.
