Mineralogist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Mineralogist Do?
Mineralogists study the composition, structure and other physical aspects of the earth. They analyse various minerals and use scientific equipment to determine their structure and properties. Their work mostly focuses on the classification and identification of minerals by taking samples and performing further tests, analysis and examinations.
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Where Do I Start?
Scientific Research Methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Mineralogist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Recommended Books
4 books -
EssentialGeological Mapping knowledge
The technique used to create maps that clearly illustrate the geological features and rock layers of an area that may be useful for mining projects and geological explorations.
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2 books -
EssentialApply Safety Procedures In Laboratory skill
Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Statistical Analysis Techniques skill
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCollect Geological Data skill
Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Field Work skill
Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Scientific Measuring Equipment skill
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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EssentialPerform Sample Testing skill
Examine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProcess Data skill
Enter information into a data storage and data retrieval system via processes such as scanning, manual keying or electronic data transfer in order to process large amounts of data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTest Raw Minerals skill
Take samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Geology For Mineral Extraction skill
Provide advice of the impact of geological factors on the development of mineral production. Take into account factors such as cost, safety, and characteristics of deposits.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDetermine Crystalline Structure skill
Perform tests such as x-ray examinations in order to determine the composition and type of crystalline structure of a specific mineral. This structure is the way the atoms are arranged …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExamine Geochemical Samples skill
Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rock or soil.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialImplement Mineral Processes skill
Carry out mineral processing operations, which aim to separate valuable minerals from waste rock or grout. Oversee and implement processes such as samping, analysis and most importantly the electrostatic separation …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Microscope skill
Operate a microscope, an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye to see.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 25 displayed)
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OptionalGeographic Information Systems knowledge
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalGeodesy knowledge
The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.
Recommended Books
2 booksNotes on Practical Astronomy and Geodesy -
OptionalSedimentology knowledge
The study of sediments, namely sand, clay, and silt, and the natural processes undergone in their formation.
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1 book -
OptionalGeochemistry knowledge
The scientific discipline that studies the presence and distribution of chemical elements in the geological systems of Earth.
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2 books -
OptionalGeology knowledge
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalImpact Of Geological Factors On Mining Operations knowledge
Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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Optional
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OptionalMinerals Laws knowledge
Law related to land access, exploration permits, planning permission and minerals ownership.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalCollect Data Using Gps skill
Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Thematic Maps skill
Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Geological Databases skill
Develop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Theories skill
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterpret Geophysical Data skill
Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLabel Samples skill
Label raw material/ product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Geological Map Sections skill
Prepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist With Geophysical Surveys skill
Assist with a range of specific, geophysical surveys, using diverse methods such as seismic, magnetic and electromagnetic methods.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate On Minerals Issues skill
Communicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDetermine Characteristics Of Mineral Deposits skill
Prepare and conduct geological mapping, logging, sampling and assay of drill core and other subsurface rock samples. Analyse results in plans and sections, with particular emphasis on geostatics and sampling …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEvaluate Mineral Resources skill
Search for mineral resources, including minerals, oil, natural gas and similar non-regenerative resources after obtaining legal rights to explore in a specific area. Endorse the assessment of the mineral reserves.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalModel Mineral Deposits skill
Geologically model mineral deposits in order to determine their location, their aspect and their economic potential.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Information On Geological Characteristics skill
Provide information on geological structures, host rock quality, groundwater implications and details on the mineralogical and textural composition of ores to enable mining and processing to be planned efficiently. The …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSeparate Metals From Ores skill
Apply various chemical and physical methods to separate minerals from their ores such as magnetic, electric or chemical methods
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Earth Sciences Tools skill
Employ a number of tools for example geophysical, geochemical, geological mapping and drilling to discover a mineral deposit.
Course recommendations coming soon.