Rigorous science, written for everyone. Look up any mineral by name, or just start browsing — no geology degree required.
The simplest way in. Pick a letter and see every mineral that starts with it — no jargon, just names you can recognize.
Every entry pairs the hard science — chemistry, structure, formation — with a plain-language explanation of what it is and where it comes from.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Start from a familiar idea — the gems you know, the metals you’ve heard of, the rocks in your backyard.
Every page connects to the rest of the database, so one lookup leads naturally to the next — from a mineral to its family, its varieties, and where it’s found.
Found something on a hike? Answer a few simple questions — color, hardness, shine — and narrow it down to a shortlist.
Start identifying →Clear, cited articles on every species — what it is, how it forms, and why it matters — for curious readers of any level.
Start with the glossary →Put any two minerals side by side, or open the map to see where a species has been found around the world.
Compare minerals →Once you know the lingo, filter the whole catalogue the way mineralogists do — by structure, hardness, chemistry, or color.
Mineralogist.org is open and collaborative. Submit specimen photos, locality details and corrections — every contribution is reviewed and credited.
Look up a name, browse A–Z, or lose an afternoon down the rabbit hole. It’s all free, and there’s always another mineral to discover.