The Handbook of Mineralogy is a comprehensive and authoritative resource dedicated to the study and identification of mineral species. Launched in 1980 under the aegis of the Mineralogical Society of America, this evolving compilation has transitioned from printed volumes to an accessible online platform since 2002. It features over 1,000 PDFs, providing succinct one-page summaries of essential data for newly discovered minerals and updates to existing entries, all meticulously curated for efficiency and clarity.

The Handbook organizes mineral data alphabetically, diverging from traditional chemical-structural classifications to enhance user navigation. Each entry includes critical mineral properties, localities, X-ray powder diffraction data, and insightful references that facilitate further research. The editors emphasize the importance of originality, opting for naturally occurring mineral analyses whenever possible and maintaining scientific rigor in the presentation. Tailored for both professionals and enthusiasts, the Handbook of Mineralogy stands as an indispensable tool for understanding the complexities of mineralogical science.