Wollaston Medal

The Wollaston Medal is a scientific award for geology and the highest award granted by the Geological Society of London, the oldest geological society in the world. It is considered to be the most prestigious award in geology, and is given for outstanding contributions to geoscience. The medal is named after English chemist William Hyde Wollaston, and was first awarded in 1831.

Awarded forSignificant contributions to geology

Sponsored byGeological Society of London

Country United Kingdom

First award1831; 195 years ago (1831)

Quick facts Awarded for, Sponsored by ...

Wollaston Medal
Front and reverse sides of the Wollaston Medal
Awarded for	Significant contributions to geology
Sponsored by	Geological Society of London
Country	United Kingdom
First award	1831; 195 years ago (1831)
Website	www.geolsoc.org.uk
Precedence
Next (higher)	None
Next (lower)	Lyell Medal

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The Wollaston Medal was originally made of gold (1831–1845), and then palladium, which was the metal discovered by Wollaston (1846–1860). It was switched to gold again from 1861 to 1929, and then back to palladium from 1930 to present.