IMA Commissions

The scientific work of the IMA is carried out by the IMA Commissions. The Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclatures and Classification is the world’s primary authority on mineral names and nomenclature (such as the naming of mineral groups). All proposed new minerals have to be approved by this Commission prior to publication.

The other IMA Commissions serve to bring together scientists to coordinate activities and to develop common standards in various sub-disciplines of mineralogy. 

The Commissions are governed by article 12 of the Constitution and By-Laws. New Commissions are first created as Working Groups which can be converted into Commissions by the Business Meeting of the IMA.

If you are interested in serving on a commission, please contact the secretary of the commission via the links provided in the web pages of each commissions:
There are currently six IMA commissions:

• New Minerals, Nomenclatures and Classification
• Museums
• Ore Mineralogy
• Physics of Minerals
• Gem Material
• Applied Mineralogy