Asked by Ke'Andre Dixon
how many minerals are found on earth
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
The number keeps changing, but by mid‑2024 there are a little under 6,000 officially recognized mineral species. The International Mineralogical Association (IMA, CNMNC) is the authority that approves new minerals; their list (and databases like mindat.org) is updated regularly as new species are discovered or existing ones are reclassified.
Notes:
- “Mineral species” = chemically distinct, naturally occurring crystalline substances (not varieties or commercial names).
- New minerals are described and submitted to the IMA for approval, so the total rises over time.
Would you like a breakdown by major mineral classes (silicates, oxides, sulfides, etc.) or pointers to the IMA/mindat pages to check the current exact count?
Notes:
- “Mineral species” = chemically distinct, naturally occurring crystalline substances (not varieties or commercial names).
- New minerals are described and submitted to the IMA for approval, so the total rises over time.
Would you like a breakdown by major mineral classes (silicates, oxides, sulfides, etc.) or pointers to the IMA/mindat pages to check the current exact count?
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