About
Minerals, being fundamental to Earth’s composition, hold significance across various scientific fields such as geology, chemistry, and medicine. The task of naming new minerals lies with the authors of proposals submitted to the International Mineralogical Association (IMA), reflecting a tradition of scientific nomenclature that evolves alongside changes in language, technology, and culture. To study these evolving trends, a comprehensive database was created, documenting the namesake information for all 5,896 minerals recognized by the IMA or ‘grandfathered’ into use as of December 2022. This database not only offers valuable insights into the interplay between science and culture but also serves as a tool to analyze and predict future naming trends. Particularly, our study utilized this resource to explore gender diversity among mineral eponyms, highlighting the broader social influences reflecting in the mineralogical naming conventions. Emproto et al., 2024.
The purpose of our site is to provide a comprehensive, searchable online database that explores the intricate connections between mineral names, scientific disciplines, and cultural influences. Our target audience includes researchers, scientists, educators, and students from fields such as geology, chemistry, materials science, biology, and medicine, as well as individuals with a keen interest in mineralogy. The site will feature diverse content types, including detailed profiles of minerals, interpretative articles, and analytical blogs that investigate trends in scientific nomenclature and cultural intersections. Additionally, we will offer news updates on recent developments in mineralogical research and events that enrich the user’s understanding of this dynamic field. Through this platform, we aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of mineral naming conventions and their wider cultural significance.