Tasa's Mineral Database app is now available for Android

August 29, 2014 - The Mineral Database app compiled by M. Darby Dyar and Mickey E. Gunter and illustrated by Dennis Tasa is now available for Android devices that support version 4.1 or later.

This app provides a quick reference for students, educators, professionals, or anyone interested in minerals. This searchable database is easy to use. No internet connection is required. Ideal for field use.

Entries for more than 300 common mineral species cover the vast majority of occurrences without presenting an overwhelming number of obscure species rarely encountered. The software provides hand sample photos, photomicrographs of thin sections, physical properties, 3D crystal structure animations, optical properties, classification, and occurrence data as well as partial data for many more species, varieties, groups, sub-groups, and series.

Search for color, hardness, and streak in field and classroom uses. Use the app as a companion to a polarizing light microscope by searching for birefringence or refractive index. Identify your unknown mineral through use of any or all 54 search criteria. The comprehensive search feature allows mineral identification by using known physical properties (such as color, streak, luster etc.) or crystal and optical properties. Or, you can visually search the hand sample photos and photomicrographs using the pop-up image galleries.