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International scientific organization

IMA - International Mineralogical Association

Withdrawal of CNR from IMA to 31 December 2022.

Founded in 1958, IMA is the most important worldwide organization for the promotion of Mineralogy, probably one of the first human observation and study activities. 39 national mineralogical societies or groups are members of IMA.

IMA is affiliated with IUGS, the International Union of Geological Sciences. Through thematic Commissions and Working Groups, IMA regulates and coordinates activities in various sectors of interest. Furthermore, IMA organizes scientific congresses, events and educational initiatives aimed at facilitating relations among national communities and increasing awareness of the importance of mineralogical research for society.
Mineralogy still plays a vital role for humanity today. The chemical-physical study of minerals is fundamental for the interpretation of terrestrial geological processes and for the characterization of planetary materials; it is the basis of exploration and mining activities of minerals and oil, and of the exploitation of industrial minerals.

Nevertheless, the study of minerals and their surface reactivity plays also a fundamental role in the remediation of polluted areas and in the right management of soils and environment including important implications for human health.

Mineralogical research also contributes to the identification and study of the materials used in Cultural Heritage, to the identification of their origin and methods of preparation, and therefore they are fundamental in the problems related to conservation and restoration interventions.

Info

Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Institut für Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik - D-44780 Bochum, Germany
Web site: http://www.ima-mineralogy.org/

Delegate

prof.ssa ROBERTA MARIA OBERTI

CNR
Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse - c/o Università di Pavia - Dip. Scienze della Terra
Via Ferrata, 1 - 27100 Pavia
Phone number: 0382 589885
Email: oberti@crystal.unipv.it

Substitute delegate

prof.ssa SIMONA QUARTIERI

Università degli Studi di Messina
Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra (MIFT)
Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31 - 98166 Messina S.Agata
Email: simona.quartieri@unimore.it

Reports IMA

Last update: 11/06/2026