NickelStrunz

NickelStrunz is a mineral classification system used in mineralogy to categorize and identify minerals based on their chemical composition and crystal structure. It was developed by the German mineralogist Karl Hugo Strunz in the early 20th century and has since been revised and updated several times. The system is widely used in academic and professional settings to standardize the classification of minerals.

The NickelStrunz classification system is based on the chemical composition of minerals, with a focus on the elements present and their proportions. Minerals are first divided into eight main classes based on their dominant anion: elements, sulfides, halides, oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, borates, and silicates. Each class is then further subdivided into subclasses, families, and groups based on more specific chemical and structural characteristics.

One of the key features of the NickelStrunz system is its use of the Nickel-Strunz number, a unique identifier for each mineral. This number consists of a series of digits that correspond to the mineral's position within the classification hierarchy. For example, the Nickel-Strunz number for quartz, a common silicate mineral, is 07.DA.05, indicating that it belongs to the silicate class, the tectosilicates subclass, the quartz family, and the quartz group.

The NickelStrunz classification system has been updated and revised several times over the years to reflect advances in mineralogy and our understanding of mineral chemistry and structure. The most recent version, known as the Nickel-Strunz "9th Edition," was published in 2001 and is widely used in modern mineralogy.

In summary, NickelStrunz is a widely used mineral classification system that categorizes minerals based on their chemical composition and crystal structure. It is based on the work of Karl Hugo Strunz and has been revised and updated several times over the years. The system uses a unique identifier, the Nickel-Strunz number, to standardize the classification of minerals and is widely used in academic and professional settings.