American Mineralogist is a peer‑reviewed scientific journal that publishes original research articles, reviews, and short communications in the fields of mineralogy, crystallography, petrology, geochemistry, and related interdisciplinary areas of Earth and planetary sciences.
Publisher and Sponsorship
The journal is published on behalf of the Mineralogical Society of America (MSA) by Cambridge University Press. The MSA, an international learned society founded in 1919, serves as the journal’s sponsoring organization and provides editorial oversight.
History
- Establishment: 1916 (originally issued as a quarterly publication).
- Evolution: Over the decades, the journal’s frequency increased, transitioning to a bimonthly schedule and eventually to a monthly issuance.
- Title: The journal has retained the title American Mineralogist since its inception.
Scope and Content
American Mineralogist covers a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:
- Structural, chemical, and physical characterization of minerals and mineral-like materials.
- Crystallographic studies employing X‑ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and related techniques.
- Experimental and theoretical investigations of mineral formation, stability, and phase equilibria.
- Geochemical processes and isotopic analyses pertinent to Earth and planetary environments.
- Applications of mineralogical research in materials science, environmental science, and industry.
Editorial Process
Manuscripts submitted to the journal undergo a double‑blind peer‑review process managed by an editorial board composed of experts representing the various subdisciplines of mineralogy and allied sciences. The editorial office adheres to the ethical standards and publication policies stipulated by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is indexed in major scientific databases and abstracting services, including:
- Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)
- Scopus
- Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)
- GeoRef
Access and Availability
American Mineralogist operates under a hybrid open‑access model. Authors may choose to make their articles freely available upon payment of an article‑processing charge, while all other content remains accessible through institutional subscriptions and individual purchases.
Impact and Recognition
The journal is regarded as a leading venue for high‑quality mineralogical research. It is regularly cited in scholarly literature and contributes significantly to advancements in Earth and planetary sciences. According to the Journal Citation Reports, the journal has maintained a respectable impact factor within the field of geosciences.
Related Publications
The Mineralogical Society of America also publishes Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry (RMG), a series of review volumes that complement the research articles appearing in American Mineralogist.
See also
- Mineralogical Society of America
- Journals in geoscience and mineralogy
- Crystallography publications
References
- Mineralogical Society of America. “American Mineralogist – Journal Information.” Mineralogical Society of America (official website).
- Cambridge University Press. “American Mineralogist – About the Journal.” Cambridge Core (official publisher site).
- Clarivate Analytics. Journal Citation Reports (accessed 2022).
Note: All information is drawn from publicly available, verifiable sources as of the latest update.
