Introduction
Mineralogy is a branch of earth science focused on the study of the chemical compounds and elements that make up the Earth. Mineralogists may also study other "rocky bodies" in the solar system, such as the terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars), meteorites, asteroids, and planetary satellites. Historically, mineralogists were primarily concerned with identifying new minerals and determining both their physical properties and chemical composition. The advent of x-ray technology in the early 20th century allowed scientists to begin assessing the internal structures of minerals, and further technological advances in the 20th century have enabled scientists to determine a host of information about the properties and formation of any given species of mineral.(1)
This guide is designed for anyone who is interested in mineralogy, from the hobbyist to the professional mineralogist. Many of the resources highlighted here are freely accessible sites, found via mineralogical associations, universities, and museums. Some journals and databases may require subscriptions to access their full content.