Science & ResearchISCO 2114
Mineralogist
A mineralogist is a person who studies the composition, the structure and other physical aspects of the earth. The mineralogist analyses different minerals and uses scientific equipment to determine their structure and their properties, and the work is concentrated mainly on classifying and identifying minerals by taking samples and carrying out further tests, analyses and research.
Check yourself in a minute: mineralogist
Rate 5 of the 43 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
examine geochemical samples
manage research data
perform laboratory tests
collect geological data
interact professionally in research and professional environments
About mineralogist
Identification is the core activity and it is harder than it sounds. Minerals that look alike differ in composition, and minerals of the same composition differ in structure, so the determination is made with instruments rather than by eye. The mineralogist examines the geochemical samples, operates the scientific measuring instruments, and processes the data those instruments produce.
The role is an academic research role, with the obligations that carries. The mineralogist applies for research funding, drafts scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, applies the principles of research ethics and scientific integrity, and disseminates the results within the scientific community.
Knowledge transfer is also part of the work. Mineralogy informs mining, materials, construction and environmental assessment, and promoting the transfer of knowledge is how a classification established in a laboratory reaches the people deciding whether a deposit is worth working or a material is safe to use.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (43)
geological mappinggeological mappingThe 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.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.examine geochemical samplesexamine geochemical samplesAnalyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such...manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.collect geological datacollect geological dataParticipate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.apply statistical analysis techniquesapply statistical analysis techniquesUse 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.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake 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.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...perform sample testingperform sample testingExamine 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.conduct field workconduct field workConducts 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.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...test raw mineralstest raw mineralsTake samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.implement mineral processesimplement mineral processesCarry 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 electrosta...advise on geology for mineral extractionadvise on geology for mineral extractionProvide 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.process dataprocess dataEnter 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.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.determine crystalline structuredetermine crystalline structurePerform 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 in a unique geo...communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...
Optional (27) — show
impact of geological factors on mining operationsimpact of geological factors on mining operationsBe aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).petrologypetrologyThe scientific field of geology that studies the composition, structure, texture, other characteristics, and regional gradations of rocks.minerals lawsminerals lawsLaw related to land access, exploration permits, planning permission and minerals ownership.geochemistrygeochemistryThe scientific discipline that studies the presence and distribution of chemical elements in the geological systems of Earth.geodesygeodesyThe 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.sedimentologysedimentologyThe study of sediments, namely sand, clay, and silt, and the natural processes undergone in their formation.geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.geographygeographyThe scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the soc...assist with geophysical surveysassist with geophysical surveysAssist with a range of specific, geophysical surveys, using diverse methods such as seismic, magnetic and electromagnetic methods.use earth sciences toolsuse earth sciences toolsEmploy a number of tools as geophysical, geochemical, geological mapping and drilling to discover mineral deposits.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.develop geological databasesdevelop geological databasesDevelop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.communicate on minerals issuescommunicate on minerals issuesCommunicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.evaluate mineral resourcesevaluate mineral resourcesSearch 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 mine...create thematic mapscreate thematic mapsUse various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.interpret geophysical datainterpret geophysical dataInterpret 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.separate metals from oresseparate metals from oresApply various chemical and physical methods to separate minerals from their ores such as magnetic, electric or chemical methods.collect data using GPScollect data using GPSGather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.provide information on geological characteristicsprovide information on geological characteristicsProvide 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 planne...model mineral depositsmodel mineral depositsGeologically model mineral deposits in order to determine their location, their aspect and their economic potential.prepare geological map sectionsprepare geological map sectionsPrepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.label sampleslabel samplesLabel raw material/product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.determine characteristics of mineral depositsdetermine characteristics of mineral depositsPrepare 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 s...
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Frequently asked questions
What 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.
What skills does a mineralogist need?
A mineralogist needs 43 essential skills, including geological mapping, scientific research methodology, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, examine geochemical samples, manage research data.
Will AI replace mineralogist jobs?
The AI disruption score for mineralogist is 63/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: process data, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, write scientific publications. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
63/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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