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Minerals
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Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Geological Materials, 2nd Edition
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Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Geological Materials, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 943

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Teresa Pereira da Silva

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Guest Editor
LNEG (National Laboratory for Energy and Geology), Mineral Resources and Geophysics Research Unit, Estrada da Portela, Apartado 7586, 2610-999 Amadora, Portugal
Interests: mineralogy; geochemistry; mineral resources; mining heritage; geoheritage; spectroscopy; XANES; synchrotron radiation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daniel P. S. De Oliveira

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Guest Editor
LNEG (National Laboratory for Energy and Geology), Mineral Resources and Geophysics Research Unit, Estrada da Portela, Apartado 7586, 2610-999 Amadora, Portugal
Interests: metallogeny of mineral deposits; mineralogy and mineral chemistry; geochemistry; critical raw materials; energy critical elements; synchrotron radiation; geoheritage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. João Pedro Veiga

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Guest Editor
Department of Conservation and Restoration & CENIMAT/i3N, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Interests: cultural heritage; mining heritage; mineralogy; crystallography; crystal chemistry; ceramics; glasses; mortars; rock weathering; synchrotron radiation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the first Special Issue on the “Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Geological Materials”, we are pleased to announce a second edition that builds upon the high-quality research and innovative methodologies previously published. The first edition brought together a diverse range of studies, from the advanced mineralogical and geochemical characterization of geological materials to novel approaches in sustainable resource management, geoheritage conservation, and cutting-edge analytical techniques.

This second edition seeks to further push the boundaries of knowledge in mineralogy, geochemistry, and their interdisciplinary applications. We invite contributions that offer state-of-the-art insights into the following areas:

  • Sustainability-driven studies on raw materials, secondary resources, and circular economy applications.
  • Exploration of critical raw materials, emerging mineral deposits, and resource efficiency strategies.
  • Soil contamination, acid mine drainage, and innovative remediation strategies.
  • Advanced mineralogical and geochemical characterization methods (e.g., synchrotron-based techniques, high-resolution spectroscopy, AI-assisted mineral classification).
  • Geoarchaeology, geoheritage, and industrial heritage linked to mining and cultural landscapes.
  • Degradation processes in geological and heritage materials under changing environmental conditions.
  • Case studies showcasing best practices and novel methodologies.

This Special Issue reaffirms our commitment to promote high-impact research that contributes to the understanding of geological materials, their sustainable management and practical applications, novel techniques for provenance studies, and the integration of AI and big data in geochemical analysis.

We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Dr. Teresa Pereira da Silva
Dr. Daniel P. S. De Oliveira
Dr. João Pedro Veiga
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • critical raw materials
  • ores, rocks, soils, minerals
  • mineral deposits and exhausted mines
  • geomaterials
  • mining
  • waste materials
  • acid mine drainage
  • mineral resources
  • secondary minerals
  • secondary raw materials
  • efflorescent minerals
  • ornamental stones
  • rock weathering
  • degradation phenomena
  • built heritage
  • mortars
  • geological tourism
  • mining heritage

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 4535 KB  
Article
Petrophysical Characterisation and Suitability of Serpentinites from the Monteferrato Area (Tuscany, Italy) for Architectural Restoration
by Alba P. Santo, Carlo Alberto Garzonio, Elena Pecchioni and Teresa Salvatici
Minerals 2025, 15(11), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15111105 - 23 Oct 2025
Viewed by 116
Abstract
This study investigates the mineralogical and physical properties of serpentinite from the Monteferrato area (Tuscany, Italy) to evaluate its potential use in Tuscany architectural restoration. The research addresses the need to identify replacement materials compatible with historic stones while preserving their original features. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mineralogical and physical properties of serpentinite from the Monteferrato area (Tuscany, Italy) to evaluate its potential use in Tuscany architectural restoration. The research addresses the need to identify replacement materials compatible with historic stones while preserving their original features. Representative specimens from the Bagnolo quarry were analysed through physical testing and a wide range of mineralogical and geochemical techniques, including polarised light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis, whole-rock chemistry, and fibre quantification. The results show a mineralogical composition dominated by serpentine-group minerals and magnetite, with physical properties generally consistent across samples. Measured capillary water absorption ranges from 3.27 to 5.27 g/m2·s0.5, open porosity from 5.25% to 8.93%, apparent densities range from 2.49 to 2.56 g/cm3, and imbibition coefficient from 2.16% to 3.71%. Comparative analysis with serpentinite from historic sources (Figline di Prato quarry, Tuscany) and from monuments (Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence) demonstrates close compositional and textural affinities, supporting the suitability of the rock from the studied quarry for restoration purposes in Tuscany monuments. However, chrysotile concentrations up to 14,153 mg/kg, exceeding Italian regulatory thresholds, represent a critical limitation. This not only requires the implementation of strict safety measures but also raises serious concerns regarding the practical feasibility of using this stone in conservation projects. More broadly, the presence of asbestiform minerals in serpentinites highlights a significant and often underestimated health risk associated with their extraction, processing, and use. Despite its importance, detailed fibre count data are rarely published or made publicly accessible, hindering both transparent risk assessment and informed decision-making. By integrating petrographic, mineralogical, and physical–mechanical characterisation with fibre quantification, this study not only assesses the technical suitability of Monteferrato serpentinites for restoration of Tuscan monuments but also contributes to a more responsible and evidence-based approach to their use, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and health protection in conservation practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Geological Materials, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2455 KB  
Article
Spatial Distribution of Uranium and Thorium in the Soils of North Macedonia
by Trajče Stafilov and Robert Šajn
Minerals 2025, 15(10), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15101063 - 9 Oct 2025
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the spatial distribution and assess uranium and thorium contamination in the soils of North Macedonia. Topsoil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from 995 locations across the country on a 5 × 5 km grid. The [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to determine the spatial distribution and assess uranium and thorium contamination in the soils of North Macedonia. Topsoil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from 995 locations across the country on a 5 × 5 km grid. The soil samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using the total digestion method. The distribution of uranium and thorium in the soils is discussed according to the country’s 8 statistical regions, 15 major geological formations and 13 pedological units. The average uranium content is 2.1 mg/kg, ranging from <0.1 to 13 mg/kg (median 2.0 mg/kg), while the average thorium content is 9.3 mg/kg, ranging from 0.20 to 92 mg/kg (median 9.5 mg/kg). The spatial distribution patterns of U and Th in the soils of North Macedonia are very similar and are determined by geology (parent material and mineralisation). High uranium (2.9–13 mg/kg) and thorium (42–92 mg/kg) contents were found mainly in soils in the areas of Neogene and Palaeozoic igneous rocks and Neogene clastites (Pelagonian, East Macedonian zone), as well as in the Kratovo-Zletovo Massif in the north-eastern part of the country and in the Kožuf Mountains in the central and southern parts, where Neogene igneous rocks predominate. According to the pedological units, the hydromorphic soils (mean content of 2.9 mg/kg U and 12 mg/kg Th) in the valleys of the country’s main rivers, which predominate in the western part, were the richest for these elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Geological Materials, 2nd Edition)
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