RRUFF

RRUFF is an online open-access database dedicated to the mineralogical and petrological analysis of mineral samples through advanced spectroscopy and analytical techniques. Established as a collaborative platform, RRUFF provides comprehensive spectral data, including Raman, infrared (IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, aimed at supporting research, education, and mineral identification.

The database was developed by researchers at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and the Smithsonian Institution. Its primary goal is to facilitate the study of Earth and planetary materials, offering a centralized resource for scientists and educators worldwide. RRUFF covers a wide array of mineral species, with detailed spectral signatures for each, including information about their chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties.

RRUFF's spectral data are obtained through laboratory measurements, often using high-precision instrumentation, and are curated to ensure accuracy and consistency. Users can search the database by mineral name, spectral features, or chemical composition, enabling rapid identification and comparison of unknown samples. Additionally, RRUFF supports the calibration and validation of remote sensing data, particularly valuable for planetary missions analyzing extraterrestrial mineralogy.

The platform also promotes open scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing by providing access to raw and processed spectral data, along with references to related scientific literature. Its online interface is user-friendly, offering tools for visualization and downloading of spectra, fostering a broad range of scientific and educational applications.

Overall, RRUFF serves as a vital resource in mineralogy and planetary science, advancing the understanding of mineral composition, formation conditions, and planetary evolution through its extensive spectral database.