Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
General
Why the new RRUFF.net?
RRUFF.info was established in 2004 to provide free public access to all data collected by the RRUFF Project, allowing users to view and download X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman and infrared spectra, electron microprobe analyses, references, photographs, and acquisition information for well-characterized mineral samples.
As the project expanded—and both the volume of data and the user community grew—the custom-built framework that supported the database became increasingly difficult to update and adapt. At the same time, the database’s success led many users to ask how they could contribute their own data. It became clear that a new, more flexible platform was needed, one capable of supporting additional analytical techniques, incorporating datasets from external laboratories, and accommodating the evolving needs of the community.
RRUFF.net contains the same core data as RRUFF.info but is built on a modern, more versatile platform. This new framework introduces more powerful capabilities for searching, organizing, and displaying mineralogical information, while also enabling the integration of new analytical techniques and contributions from outside laboratories. Together, these enhancements position the RRUFF Project for long-term growth and innovation, all while preserving its fundamental mission: to openly share high-quality mineralogical data with the scientific community and the public.
At the end of November 2025, RRUFF.net officially replaced RRUFF.info. Although we would have preferred more time to refine a few features, growing issues with the old servers and the need to provide up-to-date data for our users prompted an earlier transition. Thank you for your patience as we continue to develop and improve the new RRUFF site. Some features may still be in progress. If you have any questions, encounter issues, or would like to share suggestions, please feel free to contact us.
What databases are included in the RRUFF Project?
There are several databases included in the RRUFF Project:
- The RRUFF database: a comprehensive mineralogy database that integrates chemical analyses, Raman and infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction data, and references on thousand of mineral species. Other analytical techniques, such us Mossbauer, are expected to be added.
- The IMA-List: an interactive, searchable database of minerals approved by the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (IMA–CNMNC). It is updated regularly based on the official IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names, published several times per year.
- The American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database (AMCSD): a repository of crystallographic data published in American Mineralogist, the Canadian Mineralogist, the European Journal of Mineralogy and other peer-reviewed journals. It provides crystal structure refinements for thousands of mineral and synthetic phases, including atomic coordinates, unit-cell parameters, symmetry information, and bibliographic references.
- The References database: Collection of references on mineral species from peer-reviewed journals.
How can I download the files?
Individual files can be downloaded directly from the records by clicking on the file name. You can also download the complete collection of files from File Download. For more information about the files, data processing, etc, please click here.
Do I need login credentials?
You do not need to be logged in to view or download data. Login access is currently limited to project administrators. In special circumstances, login credentials may be provided to external collaborators. If you have any questions or believe you require access, please feel free to contact us.
How do I cite data in the RRUFF database?
The RRUFF database contains data generated by the RRUFF Project as well as data provided by external contributors. When using any RRUFF data — spectra, chemistry, crystallography, etc. — please cite the RRUFF Project and, if applicable, the external contributor.
- RRUFF Project citation:
Lafuente, B., Downs, R. T., Yang, H., & Stone, N. (2015). The power of databases: the RRUFF project. Highlights in Mineralogical Crystallography, T Armbruster and R M Danisi, Eds., Berlin, Germany, W. De Gruyter, 1–30
- External contributor citation:
If the dataset originates from an external contributor, please also cite the “Data Source Citation” listed in the RRUFF sample record (located just below the sample information).
Examples:
• RRUFF sample (RRUFF Project data): RRUFF ID R040002
- Lafuente, B., Downs, R. T., Yang, H., & Stone, N. (2015). The power of databases: the RRUFF project. Highlights in Mineralogical Crystallography, T Armbruster and R M Danisi, Eds., Berlin, Germany, W. De Gruyter, 1–30
• External Contribution: RRUFF ID R250010
- Biagioni C, Mauro D, Sejkora J, Dolníček Z, Dini A, Škoda R (2025) Dacostaite, K(Mg2Al)[Mg(H2O)6]2(AsO4)2F6·2H2O, a new fluoride–arsenate mineral from the Cetine di Cotorniano Mine (Tuscany, Italy). European Journal of Mineralogy 37, 39-52
- Lafuente, B., Downs, R. T., Yang, H., & Stone, N. (2015). The power of databases: the RRUFF project. Highlights in Mineralogical Crystallography, T Armbruster and R M Danisi, Eds., Berlin, Germany, W. De Gruyter, 1–30
How do I cite data in AMCSD?
When using data from AMCSD, please make sure to cite both AMCSD and the original reference associated with the specific dataset you used.
- AMCSD citation:
Downs, R.T. and Hall-Wallace, M. (2003) The American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. American Mineralogist 88, 247–250
- Dataset citation:
Use the literature reference listed in the AMCSD record for the structure you downloaded.
Example:
Dataset: Abellaite (AMCSD code: 0021642)
- Ibáñez-Insa J, Elvira J J, Llovet X, Pérez-Cano J, Oriols N, Busquets-Masó M, Hernández S (2017) Abellaite, NaPb₂(CO₃)₂(OH), a new supergene mineral from the Eureka mine, Lleida province, Catalonia, Spain. European Journal of Mineralogy 29, 915–922.
- Downs, R.T. and Hall-Wallace, M. (2003) The American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. American Mineralogist 88, 247–250
RRUFF database
What type of data is there in RRUFF?
The RRUFF database provides high-quality mineralogical data including chemical compositions, Raman and infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, and crystallographic files. Each mineral entry also includes detailed sample information and photographs.
The new RRUFF platform has been built with the flexibility for additional techniques, such as LIBS, XRF, reflectance, Mossbauer and more. We are exiceted to share that we have started to incorporate Mössbauer data!
What Mineral Status is?
When a sample is introduced into the RRUFF database, regardless of how confident the donor or staff may be, the status is unconfirmed until backed by corroborating evidence from chemical analysis and single crystal or powder X-ray diffraction.
Until the identification is confirmed, the mineral name associated with the sample is subject to change. For example: what is given to us as grossular, may be proven by chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction to be almandine. The status line in the top portion of each sample detail screen is our way of communicating whether or not we are certain of the identity of the mineral.
A full description of the different status can be found here.
How can I contribute?
The new RRUFF platform includes the data that the old RRUFF incorporated: Raman, IR, XRD, and microprobe, but it has been built with the flexibility for additional techniques, such as LIBS, XRF, reflectance, Mossbauer and more.
If you want to contribute:
- Send us your data: If you have mineral data that you would like to share with the public, we can upload the data on your behalf, ensuring it becomes accessible through the RRUFF web-pages.
- Create your own database: You can also create and manage your own database integrated with the RRUFF project. This ensures your data is linked, searchable, and accessible through RRUFF.
We are actively streamlining the data submission process to make it easier and more accessible for everyone. Get in touch with us to start sharing your data through RRUFF.