Theme: Open Theme

Education and Skills Development

Convenors: Dr. Megan Becker – Commission IMA-CAM; Prof. Gillian Drennan; Ms. Rene Toerien

Description:
This session aims to create a platform for lively discussion about new and creative methods used in teaching mineralogy to scholars, undergraduate students and industry professionals. The session will be divided into formal education and informal education (e.g. science centres) and will also consist of an open session for high school science teachers to participate.

 

Australia: Towards IMA 2018

Convenors: Dr. Stuart Mills - IMA 2018 organising committee; Dr. Andrew Christy

Description:
The IMA2018 conference will be held in August 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. Come to to this session to learn about the upcoming conference and some of the exciting aspects of the mineralogy of Australia! The session will also focus on scientific talks that promote the mineral deposits, type minerals, science education, mining industry and research facilities of Australia.

Keynote Presenter: Dr. Stuart Mills

 

New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification

Convenors: Dr. Stuart Mills - IMA-CNMNC; Prof. Frederic Hatert; Prof. Peter Williams

Description:
This session will address current nomenclature and classification issues in mineralogy. Examples will be drawn from recently described new species and modifications to existing nomenclature. New methods for mineral characterization will be addressed. The work of the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification is central to many aspects of mineral science. The Commission remains extremely active with respect to nomenclature and classification matters and continues to publish guidelines and recommendations on mineral names, mineral groups, chemistry associated with formal classification and the like. In addition it continues to review new mineral submissions and cases where discreditation is warranted. All of these matters are of interest to the majority of those attending IMA 2014 and it is anticipated that interest level for this session will be high. New ways of reproducibly characterizing minerals will bear on the Commission's work into the future, especially as it becomes easier to measure the properties of smaller and smaller crystals and particles. We will have to be prepared to assess such methods alongside those currently employed in the majority of new mineral accreditations. The Commission looks to the future in these areas and these aspects of the session will attract all those currently engaged in exploring the limits of naturally occurring phases.

Keynote Presenter: Marco Pasero

 

General Session - Open Theme 

Convenors: Dr. Deshenthree Chetty

Description:
This is a general session under the Open theme, for submission of abstracts that do not conform with any themes or other sessions under the Open theme.