Mineral Nomenclature

Mineral nomenclature is the systematic process by which mineral species are identified, described, and named. A mineral species is defined by a unique combination of chemical composition and crystal structure. ^[1] Over 4,900 mineral species have been identified and named, though fewer than one hundred are considered common rock-forming minerals. ^[1]

The Role of the IMA

The naming and classification of new minerals are overseen by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). ^[1] The IMA maintains an official list of approved mineral names and establishes rigorous criteria that must be satisfied before a new species is recognized. ^[1]

Criteria for New Minerals

To be approved as a new mineral species, several requirements must be met: ^[1]

• The material must be a mineral as scientifically defined. ^[1]
• It must not have been previously described or named. ^[1]
• Full crystallography, chemical composition, and crystal structure must be determined. ^[1]
• Physical and optical properties must be thoroughly documented. ^[1]
• The geologic and geographic occurrence must be described. ^[1]
• A type sample must be preserved in a recognized repository, such as a museum. ^[1]

Naming Conventions

Minerals may be named based on various criteria, including the name of an individual, the location of discovery, or references to their chemical composition or physical properties. ^[1]

Varieties, Series, and Groups

Mineral nomenclature also distinguishes between hierarchical relationships within a species:

• Mineral Variety: A sub-division of a species distinguished by color, habit, or other minor properties (e.g., ruby and sapphire are varieties of corundum). ^[1]
• Mineral Series: Two or more minerals with a continuous range of chemical composition between them (e.g., the plagioclase series between albite and anorthite). ^[1]
• Mineral Group: A set of minerals sharing the same basic crystal structure but having different chemical compositions (e.g., the calcite group using the general formula XCO₃). ^[1]

References

1. Nesse, W. D. (2017). Introduction to Mineralogy, 3rd ed. Oxford University Press.

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