Mineralogist

OFO No: 211405

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Youtube clip – Dr Daniel Howell – Mineralogist

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Mineralogist?

A Mineralogist is a kind of geologist who studies minerals.

Mineralogists work mainly outdoors in remote areas. They also work in laboratories where they will do experiments to analyse the properties of the minerals.

The main job of a Mineralogist is to accurately identify and classify minerals. They do this by examining the chemical make-up of the sample.

Once they have determined what the mineral is, they can then work out how valuable a piece of property is by the amounts of the mineral deposited there.

Mineralogist are extremely important in mining as they can determine whether it would be profitable to mine or not.

What does a Mineralogist do?

• conducts outdoor research
• takes samples
• studies the composition of the earth in certain areas
• analyses data
• prepared maps, charts, diagrams and reports
• liases with other engineers like civil, mining etc
• uses high tech sensing equipment
• locates mineral deposits for mining
• determines profitability for mining

Are you . . . ?

• interested in rocks and minerals?
• interested in an outdoor career?
• interested in science?
• observant?
• analytical?
• methodical?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?
  
• an accurate worker?
• a good communicator? (read, write and speak)
• a team player?

How do I become a Mineralogist?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Science degree in Geology

PATH 2 

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry

• These can be done at most SA universities.
• You will need maths and science for matric.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Meteorologist or Metallurgist

Is becoming a Mineralogist the right career choice for me?