Stone has accompanied man since the dawn of time. During the Stone Age, fragments of flint were worked to create tools. As mankind developed, minerals and rocks began to be used for ever new purposes. Rocks were used to build various architectural structures, precious stones and metals were used to make jewellery, and bullion was used to obtain metals. The increasing development of science and technology has contributed to the ever-increasing use of minerals and rocks. Today, many industries cannot do without minerals.

The permanent exhibition entitled Stone in the Life of Man presents a rich set of rocks and minerals that accompany everyday human life. Both contemporary and historical uses of minerals are discussed. Visitors to the exhibition can also learn about the properties of minerals, legends associated with them and commonly used imitations.