Mineral Informatics

Informatics, or information science, focuses on all aspects of extracting information from data. The objectives of informatics include assembling and providing access to well-curated data resources, developing and applying advanced analytical and visualization methods, and interpretation of results after applying these methods. Open and reliable data resources that conform to FAIR practices (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) are an essential pillar of scientific advances through informatics. Mineralogists have long benefitted from open-access data resources such as mindat.org, rruff.info, and earthchem.org, but a significant amount of published and unpublished data on mineral occurrences, compositions, physical properties, and other attributes are not yet available in any open-access platform. Most mineralogical publications do not require new data to be deposited in an open-access form, nor are there uniform standards for reporting such data. 

Accordingly, significant opportunities exist to improve access and reliability of a wide range of mineralogical data, as well as to develop and disseminate analytical and visualization methods to advance mineralogical research. The IMA Working Group on Mineral Informatics has begun a conversation among more than 80 engaged members of the community to identify needs and opportunities, to formulate best practices, to encourage a culture of data sharing among members of the Earth and planetary materials community, and to develop and share new resources. 

If you would like to receive future notices, and perhaps participate in this effort, please email Robert Hazen.