The Mineralogy Database was last updated on
9/5/2012 and it contains 4,714 individual mineral species descriptions with links and a
comprehensive image library. Visit the "What's
New" section for details.
Each mineral has a page linked to tables devoted to crystallography, crystal structures, X-Ray powder diffraction, chemical composition, physical and
optical properties, Dana's New classification, Strunz classification, mineral
specimen images, and alphabetical
listings of mineral species. There also are extensive links to other
external sources of mineral data and information.
Chemical Composition
Mineral species by chemical elements selectable from a
periodic table or search form.
Three options are provided: 1) Sorted by %, 2) Sorted by mineral name or 3) New
Custom weight percent element search.
Mineral Element Composition Search - To Reset - Click Here
What is a Mineral ?
Selected mineral definitions spanning the last century defining the mineral kingdom as matter other than that of the plant or animal kingdom.
Crystallography
This section contains tutorials on the 36 crystal classes. Along with this information are links to tables
of each class with all the minerals in that class. Printer-ready PDF files of
paper crystal models (assembly required) of the crystal classes can be found here.
3D Crystal models of minerals use JAVA applets
from KrystalShaper
that can be viewed in a browser window. The rotating form on your left is
an actual java applet and not an animated GIF image. If the model is not
visible then install JAVA on your PC.
Alphabetical Listing
Mineral species listings. The listings include synonyms, quick links to
pronunciation, images, and java crystal forms, name origin, and chemical
formula. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWYXZAll
Other Links
Links to other sites with mineral data.
Alternate Search using Google
Today is Sunday, 12-Jul-2026 16:26:06 EDT
Factoid #9
Gladstone-Dale Relationship
The relationship between chemical composition, density, and refractive
index was proposed as a means of examining gasses and solutions
(Gladstone, Dale(1863), Phil. Trans, 153, 317). This relationship is
as follows:
(n - 1) / D = constant
Where
n = mean index of refraction
D = density
constant = Gladstone-Dale constant
Mandarino, in his review of the Gladstone-Dale relationship in minerals (Can,
Min, (1981), Vol 19, pp 441-450) proposed the concept of the Compatibility Index
in comparing the physical and optical properties of minerals. This compatibility
index is a required calculation for approval as a new mineral species (see IMA
guidelines).
Small.jpg)
Mineral species and other structures with crystal structure data using the
Nickel-Strunz system (courtesy of Jim Ferraiolo).
