The Lithothek (greek líthos = stone) is the central hub for investigation of sediment cores and rock samples. It consists of a large central hall, around which laboratories for rock preparation and core sampling are arranged, as well as small cool storage rooms. In here, the material from recent ship and land expeditions is housed for their initial examination and work in progress. The core laboratory is equipped to photograph, measure and sample cores, and for essential sedimentological analyses.

The Lithothek is furthermore used for development and testing of marine research devices and the preparation of expeditions.