When a mineral or chemical element is newly discovered, it is given a name. In addition to having a name that is generally accepted in the scientific community; minerals also can have one or more common, or historic, names. Minerals which have been well known throughout history can have over a dozen names leading to confusion when attempting to identify or research a sample. The MIROFOSS Mineral Gallery 'Search By Name' guide is best used if you already know at least one of the names of the mineral you are attempting to research. The 'Search By Name' guide uses English terminology to organize minerals in alphabetical order. However, even in the English language a mineral name can change between various parts of the world. Names for various minerals are listed as research has made them available. If you know an alternative name for a species in a MIROFOSS article, please contact us so we can add it to the database.

Use the 'Search Articles by Name' option to find mineral samples using their common or scientific name. To make searching for articles by name easier; Duplicate entries can be found for certain tables. An example of a duplicate article:
-Topez (is found in the S-T table)
-Colorado Topaz (is found in the C-D table)
-Topaz, Colorado (is found in the S-T table)

The icons located next to each name in the table provided basic information about the mineral sample found in the article:

-A camera icons shows that there are photos attached to the selected MIROFOSS article
-A factory icon shows whether the mineral sample has any practical industrial or commerical uses.
-A medical icon shows whether the mineral sample has holistic or natruopathic properties.
-A hazard icon shows whether the mineral sample is toxic, a biohazard, environmental hazard, radioactive, if the sample is an irritant, or if the mineral sample can cause damage