Type Mineral Specimen Catalogue Germany

Type mineral specimens are reference samples for the definition of mineral species. The holotype is the original specimen from which all data of a new mineral were derived. The definition of a holotype (as well as cotypes and types) is necessary to clear out doubts or questions, which could arise from erroneous or incomplete original descriptions. Incompleteness occurs due to the fact that the relevance of certain attributes of the holotype were not known at the time of the original description or scientific instruments necessary for the determination of certain attributes did not exist. Therefore it is essential to keep type specimens available for scientific reexaminations.

In consequence - and for their historical value as a new discovery - such type mineral specimens are kept in permanent scientific depositories to guarantee their availability and their professional curation at any time. Currently the working group is compiling this online type specimen catalogue for type materials retained in Germany.

The illustrated catalogue lists all proven type specimens, their associated museums and the scientists in charge of specimens and museums. The type minerals are described in detail.

With this catalogue the working group tries to preserve the inventory of German type mineral specimens for the future. Furthermore does this catalogue amend the existing catalogue of type mineral specimens of the International Mineralogical Association.