Wiley to Build Raman Spectroscopy Database from World's Leading Mineral Collection

Wiley Science Solutions (WSS) announced the launch of a collaborative project with the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), a world-leading natural history museum, to build a comprehensive Raman spectroscopy spectral database based on the museum's mineral collection. This initiative will extend access to the museum's invaluable mineral specimens to researchers worldwide.

In recent years, the rapid and accurate identification of unknown samples has become increasingly important in fields such as materials science, chemistry, geology, and forensic science. In this context, the establishment of reliable spectral reference data is a crucial foundation that significantly impacts research efficiency and analytical accuracy.

This endeavor will systematically acquire and organize high-quality Raman spectroscopy data from AMNH's collection of over 120,000 mineral specimens and more than 5,000 gem specimens, constructing a comprehensive spectral library. This will provide a valuable reference data foundation for researchers, students, and industry professionals, supporting the advancement of mineral identification and analysis.

The data will be made available through WSS's analytical software platform "KnowItAll" and the online spectral database "SpectraBase." These two channels will enable access for software users as well as a broader research community. Initial data will be progressively released starting in spring 2026, with continuous expansion planned thereafter.

Graeme Whitley, Senior Director of Data Science Solutions at WSS, stated: "This project embodies Wiley's commitment to providing high-quality standard reference data to researchers worldwide. The AMNH mineral collection is an extremely valuable scientific resource, and by making it accessible as spectral data, we believe we can contribute to the further advancement of research and analysis."

Kate Kiseeva, Curator in the Department of Physical Sciences at AMNH, commented: "Our museum's mineral collection has served as a foundation for geological research since its founding in 1869. We are delighted that this project will expand access to this invaluable collection in a new way, providing high-quality spectroscopic data to researchers worldwide."

A spectral database systematically organizes the "fingerprint information" of substances obtained through analytical methods such as Raman spectroscopy. It is an indispensable foundation for identifying unknown substances, quality control, and research verification. In recent years, such high-quality data has also played a crucial role in the development of AI and data-driven research.

WSS will continue to support the advancement of research and development and analytical operations through reliable data and advanced software. We will contribute to enhancing the value of this as a foundation for future research and analysis.

About Wiley Science Solutions

Wiley Science Solutions is a division of Wiley that provides software and scientific data to researchers in analytical science and R&D. It offers integrated software and spectral and chemical data supporting analytical fields such as IR, Raman, MS, NMR, and UV-Vis, helping to improve the accuracy and efficiency of research and analysis, reduce errors, and increase laboratory productivity. https://sciencesolutions.wiley.com/

About Wiley

Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is a global company that provides authoritative content and research intelligence to advance scientific research, innovation, and education. For over 200 years, Wiley has been at the heart of the academic ecosystem, combining a trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and utilized. From researchers and students to R&D teams at Fortune 500 companies, Wiley supports efforts to translate scientific discoveries into societal value. In Japan, Wiley Publishing Japan K.K. provides products and services.

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