Mineralogist Job Description

A mineralogist is a specialty of the career path of a geoscientist. A mineralogist is focused on studying the earth, but specifically concentrates on minerals. There are even specific areas of study within mineralogy such as the formation and classification of minerals, among other things.

Significance

A mineralogist, a subspecialty of a geoscientist, has the job of classifying minerals according to their attributes.

Work Environment

Mineralogists will spend most of their time working outdoors. They may work long hours outside in uncomfortable climates to find minerals, and then take them into an office or laboratory to research their composition further.

Employers

Mineralogists may be employed by survey companies, whether state or federal, mining companies, or museums. Others may be involved in doing research at universities.

Tasks

Mineralogists may choose to study several different types of minerals, and find new uses for them or help make them more efficient. Others may choose to focus on one particular type of mineral, and do extensive research on that mineral to make it more efficient.

Earnings

The median earnings for any geoscientist, which includes mineralogists, is approximately $72,600 per year. This may vary based on employer, education and specialty.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Mineralogical Society of America