The Division of Mineralogy was established in 1963 as part of a reorganization in the Museum of Natural History. At that time, the Department of Geology was divided into two new departments, Mineral Sciences and Paleobiology. Mineralogy became a division of the Department of Mineral Sciences. Prior to 1963, the national collection of minerals and gems was under the care of the Division of Mineralogy and Petrology of the Department of Geology.
Curators and research staff of the Division of Mineralogy have included Paul E. Desautels, Associate Curator and Curator, 1963-1983; John Sampson White, Museum Specialist, Associate Curator, and Curator, 1963-1992; Joel E. Arem, Crystallographer, 1971-1974; Daniel E. Appleman, Crystallographer, 1974-1992; Jeffrey Edward Post, Associate Curator and Curator, 1984- ; and Michael A. Wise, Associate Curator and Curator, 1990- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 218060
