Procedures involving the I.M.A. Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names, and guidelines on mineral nomenclature

An author wishing to introduce a new mineral name into the literature, or to redefine, discredit or rename an existing mineral, must obtain prior approval of the I.M.A. Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. This paper outlines the procedure to be followed in the preparation and submission of a proposal for approval, and describes how such proposals are handled by the Commission. The paper also reports decisions on nomenclature made by the Commission, and gives general guidelines on mineral nomenclature. Lists of mineral names discredited by the Commission, and of recently-approved rare-earth mineral names are appended.