Mineralogist
Also known as: applied mineralogist, offshore mineralogist, mineralogy expert, process mineralogist, process mineralogy consultant, mineralogy consultant
About this occupation
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.
Essential skills and knowledge
- perform laboratory tests
- advise on geology for mineral extraction
- geological mapping
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- examine geochemical samples
- collect geological data
- perform sample testing
- implement mineral processes
- conduct field work
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- determine crystalline structure
- test raw minerals
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Materials Scientists (O*NET 19-2032.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Science, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Writing
US median pay: US$117,790 a year (2025), 8,470 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryExtremely important (4.6)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.6)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Materials Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Microsystems Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Chemists
- Photonics Technicians
- Electrical Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.