Mineralogists study the composition, structure and other physical aspects of the earth. They analyse various minerals and use scientific equipment to determine their structure and properties. Their work mostly focuses on the classification and identification of minerals by taking samples and performing further tests, analysis and examinations.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Conducting research and improving or developing concepts, theories and operational methods related to geology and geophysics;
(b) Studying composition and structure of the earth's crust, examining rocks, minerals, fossils and other materials to determine processes affecting the development of the earth, trace evolution of past life, establish nature and chronology of geological formations and assess their commercial applications;
(c) Interpreting research data and preparing geological reports, maps, charts and diagrams, reports and papers;
(d) Applying geological knowledge to problems encountered in civil engineering projects such as the construction of dams, bridges, tunnels, and large buildings; and land reclamation projects;
(e) Using various remote sensing programmes to investigate and measure seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal, and magnetic forces affecting the earth;
(f) Estimating weight, size and mass of the earth and composition and structure of its interior, and studying the nature, activity and predictability of volcanoes, glaciers and earthquakes;
(g) Charting the earth's magnetic field and applying this and other collected data for broadcasting, navigation and other purposes;
(h) Studying and measuring physical properties of seas and the atmosphere and their inter-relationship, such as the exchange of thermal energy;
(i) Locating and determining the nature and extent of oil, gas and mineral deposits using seismological, gravimetric, magnetic, electrical or radiometric methods;
(j) Identifying deposits of construction materials and determining their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications;
(k) Researching the movement, distribution and physical properties of ground and surface waters;
(l) Advising in areas such as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites.