One of a geologist’s most important jobs is the discovery of oil, gas, coal, and mineral resources. Geologists engaged in research and in the exploration and development of mineral resources need detailed knowledge about the rock strata in which the deposits occur, as well as information about associated deposits. Although many tools are available for exploration, the examination of cores and well samples is the greatest single source of information for hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and stratigraphic and structural investigations. Cores and well samples also provide the best source of detailed geologic information concerning the nature, occurrence, and extent of rocks in the subsurface, as well as provide essential information for a better understanding of our groundwater resources and related environmental problems. This knowledge of rock strata beneath the earth’s surface can only be gained through detailed examination of well cuttings and cores.

A detailed and accurate understanding of the structure and stratigraphy of Kentucky is possible through identification of sedimentary structures, lithologic characteristics, and fossils found in cores and well samples. Polished core samples and well cuttings on display show different types of mega- and microfeatures, color patterns and staining, primary structures, secondary features, grain size, clasts, matrixes, stratification, fossil content and accessory constituents, bedding, mineralogy, particle characteristics, cements, penecontemporaneous deformation structures, solution and tectonic structures, porosity and permeability, and textures.

These cores and well samples are from clastic and carbonate rocks of Pennsylvanian to Cambrian age. They were recovered from depths in excess of 16,300 feet. Basement rocks in the central part of Kentucky have been dated to 1.9 billion years.