Scientists in the Department of Mineral Sciences seek to understand the evolution of the Earth and Solar System by studying samples from environments ranging from the mantle to mine drainages, from volcanic arcs to the asteroid belt. The department is home to world-class collections of rocks, minerals, meteorites, and gems, as well as the instruments our scientists use to study these specimens in detail.
Mindat.org is the world's largest open database of minerals, rocks, meteorites and the localities they come from.
Mindat.org is run by the not-for-profit Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
GIA’s Gem Encyclopedia is a virtual journey through the science and lore of gemstones from across the globe. Each precious stone page features additional detailed gemological information, a buyer’s guide, photos, videos & research.
Descriptions of minerals with images and links.
Last updated in 2012