Dana’s system

C. Palache, H. Berman, and C. Frondel, Dana s System of Mineralogy, 7th ed., John Wiley Sons, Inc., New York, 1955. 

Most minerals occur in a variety of morphologies. Although it is not exhaustive, the list we recorded as occurring in fibrous form (Appendix 1) contains more than 350 entries, each with a reference. The format follows that proposed in Dana s System of Mineralogy, (Palache, et al., 1944), one of the standard references in the field. The names of fibrous minerals are alphabetically arranged within each chemical group that is, elements, oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, and so on. A similar, parallel system has been adopted for the list of synthetic fibers (Appendix 2). The list of synthetics includes glassy fibers produced from natural materials, as well as whiskers. 

A formal description of a mineral presents all the physical and chemical properties of the species. In particular, distinctive attributes that might facilitate identification are noted, and usually a chemical analysis of the first or type specimen on which the name was originally bestowed is included. As an example, the complete description of the mineral brucite (Mg(OH)2), as it appears in Dana s System of Mineralogy, is presented as Appendix 3. Note the complexity of this chemically simple species and the range of information available. In the section on Habit (meaning shape or morphology) both acicular and fibrous forms are noted. The fibrous variety, which has the same composition as brucite, is commonly encountered (see Fig. I.ID) and is known by a separate name, nemalite. ... 

From every chemical group mentioned in Dana s System of Mineralogy there are minerals that form as fibers. We began with the most commonly encountered minerals, the silicate and aluminosilicate groups, and now briefly mention a few from other chemical classes. 

Minerals are usually organized according to their chemical compositions. This systematic arrangement of minerals, developed by Swedish chemist Jons Berzelius, was enlarged by James and Edward Dana in the late 1800s. Dana s system, expanded and updated, is the most widely used today. 

Some collections, particularly those used for teaching, may be organized alphabetically or by some other simple criteria, such as mode of formation or by locality. Gem collections are usually organized by Dana s system or alphabetically. 

Frondel, C. (1962). Dana s System of Mineralogy, Vol. Ill, Silica Minerals. New York Wiley. 

Dana s System of Mineralogy.Large Svo, half leather, xa 50... 

Palache, C. Berman, H. Frondel, C. Dana s System of Mineralogy J. Wiley Sons New York, 1951. 

Palache, C., Berman, H., and Frondel, C. (1951). Dana s System of Mineralogy. Vol. II Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, 7th ed. New York Wiley. 

According to Dana s System of Mineralogy, 7. Ed., Vol. 1, 7th ed. Table arranged by S. V. Solver, Mining and Metallurgical School, Filipstad, Sweden. 

Dana (1951) Palache, C. Berman, H. Vton6e, C. Dana s System ofMineralogy 7th ed., Vol. 2, John Wiley Sons, New York (1951) Dandridge et aL (1928) Dandridge et al., British Patent 322,169 (192S)... 

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