mineralnaming

Mineral naming is the process by which new mineral species are given official names, following conventions established by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) through its Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC). The name chosen is expected to be unique, clear, and usable in scientific communication.

The CNMNC administers the naming process. When a new mineral is identified, the discoverers prepare a formal proposal that includes the proposed name, etymology, supporting chemical and crystallographic data, and the deposition of a type specimen in a publicly accessible collection. The commission reviews the submission for compliance with established rules, potential duplication with existing names, and overall suitability before making a recommendation.

Naming conventions for minerals are diverse. Names commonly reflect geographic locality, a person associated with the discovery or study of the mineral, a descriptive property such as color or crystal habit, or aspects of chemical composition. Most mineral names end with conventional endings such as -ite or -ine, though there are notable exceptions. The CNMNC provides guidelines to ensure that names are distinctive, culturally appropriate, and free from misleading associations.

Approved names are published in official channels and become part of the standardized mineral nomenclature used in literature, databases, and collections worldwide. The naming process emphasizes transparency, traceability to type material, and consistency across the broader field of mineralogy.