PDF-4/Minerals 2023
Comprehensive Mineral Collection

PDF-4/Minerals 2023 is the most comprehensive collection of mineral data in the world! Ninety-seven percent of all known mineral types, as defined by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA), are represented in the database, as well as many unclassified minerals. There is a very wide selection of chemical variants within mineral species as shown by the 24,523 unique empirical formulas in the collection. Our database demonstrates the benefit of having combined data from several different databases.
Due to focused editorial efforts in bibliographic searching, editorial review, and classification, the mineral collection has grown by over 30% during the last 10 years to 50,900+ entries in Release 2023. All data are statistically analyzed, then peer-reviewed by an editorial task group of ICDD scientist members, who are also mineralogists. Minerals are classified by IMA designations of family, class and subclasses, Pearson symbols, and prototype structures. All mineralogical zeolites are similarly classified using international Zeolite Association guidelines.
Using PDF-4/Minerals 2023
Key Points
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Rapid phase identification, plus support for automated quantitative analyses
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Features 50,900+ entries, including 42,000+ entries with atomic coordinates
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Integrated data mining software
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All entries have digital patterns for use in total pattern analysis
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39,200+ entries have I/Ic values for quantitative analysis by Reference Intensity Ratio
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Combines powder and single crystal data
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Classified by IMA designations
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A subset of the PDF-4+ database with all the features and capabilities, targeted to minerals and mineral related compounds
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Extensive data mining is facilitated with 134 display fields coupled with 80 searches
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One (1) year license serviced by subscription
Identify
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Number of entries – 50,900+
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New entries –1,035
Quantify
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Entries with Simulated Digital Patterns – 50,900+
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Entries with Reference Intensity Ratio (I/Ic) – 39,200+
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Entries with Atomic Coordinates – 42,000+
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Entries with Experimental Raw Data Digital Patterns – 191
Data-mining
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80 types of Search Selections
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134 types of Display Fields
Database Sources
Our collaborative partners include:
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ICDD Powders (00) – International Centre for Diffraction Data Newtown Square, PA, USA
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ICSD (01) –Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe (FIZ) Karlsruhe, Germany – Inorganic Crystal Structure Database
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NIST (03) – National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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MPDS (04) – Material Phases Data System, Vitznau, Switzerland – Linus Pauling File (LPF)
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ICDD Single Crystal Data (05) – International Centre for Diffraction Data Newtown Square, PA, USA
Subfiles
Four select subfiles out of 31:
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Natural Minerals – 24,135
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Synthetics – 14,575
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Zeolites – 4,367
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Clays – 489
All subfiles: Alkaloid, Amino Acid, Peptide & Complex, Battery Material, Bioactive, Carbohydrate, Cement & Hydration Product, Ceramic, Common Phase, Education, Explosive, Forensic, Hydrogen Storage Material, Inorganic, Intercalate, Ionic Conductor, Merck, Metal & Alloy, Micro & Mesoporous, Mineral Related, Modulated Structure, NBS, Nucleoside & Nucleotide, Organic, Pharmaceutical, Pigment & Dye, Polymer, Porphyrin, Corrin & Complex, Steroid, Superconducting Material, Terpene, Thermoelectric Material
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Subfile – select filters related to assigned subfiles/subclass.
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Environment – select filters related to the environment (especially temperature and pressure).
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Atomic Coordinates – filters based on entries that contain atomic coordinates or a cross-reference to an entry with atomic coordinates.
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Raw Diffraction Data (PD3) – filters based on entries with high quality raw experimental data that can consist of nano-crystalline materials, semi-crystalline materials, or amorphous materials.
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Status – select filters based on the status of the pattern, which can be Primary, Alternate, or Deleted.
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Quality Mark (QM) – select filters related to the quality evaluation assigned to the data.
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Database – search the entire database or select the data entry source (i.e., ICDD (00) – ICDD’s experimental patterns).
Use your mouse to hover over the interactive elements in the red section of the search window and click to learn more.
Use your mouse to hover over the interactive elements in the red sections of the PDF card and click to learn more.
A Powder Diffraction FileTM (PDF) Card displays all of the scientific and bibliographic data available for a particular PDF entry and is organized into the following categories:
Toolbox, View 3D Structure, Bond Distances/Angles, Simulated Electron Spot Pattern, Electron Backscattering Pattern, Ring Pattern, and Simulated Diffraction Profile.
- Equipment factors
- Historic stick pattern and simulated pattern
- Tabular view of reported data: PDF, Experimental, Physical, Crystal, Optical, Structure, Classifications, Cross-references, References, Comments
*Note: The availability of each feature varies by PDF entry.
ICDD’s search indexing software, SIeve+ for PDF-4/Minerals, is designed to search and identify unknown materials. SIeve+ is integrated into the ICDD databases to allow the use of the extensive data mining interfaces, searches, and sorts available to improve the accuracy and precision of the identification process. For example, users can utilize the extensive permutable searches in each database, then define their own search subfile or use any of the “application or expert-defined” subfiles and subclasses to increase the accuracy of their phase identification. In many cases, this provides a unique capability to analyze the most difficult problems.
SIeve+ offers a variety of algorithms and options that allow users to optimize results for particular chemistries and both standard and non-standard diffraction systems. SIeve+ features automatic rotation of the eight strongest lines (Hanawalt) or the eight longest of the strongest lines (Fink) or the eight longest lines (Long8) to look for entries that exhibit the best Goodness of Match (GOM). In the last few years, new algorithms have been added to identify non-crystalline materials and complex multi-phase specimens. Most of the algorithms were developed and optimized for a particular type of analysis and the options provide the user with a wide breadth of analytical capability. SIeve+ can be complementary to most commercial software programs. This complementary nature demonstrates the strength of SIeve+ in the analysis of minor and trace phases where the full filtering capability of the PDF-4 databases can be applied.
Want to learn more about SIeve+? Click here.
→ Try SIeve+ for a free 30-day trial after you install your database and discover its phase identification capability. At the end of the 30-day trial period, contact ICDD or your vendor for a license. Please note: ICDD’s search-indexing software is included in PDF-2 (SIeve) and PDF-4/Organics (SIeve+) free of charge.]
- 30 day trial for FREE
- Match filter algorithms – better results, more accuracy
- Import d-I list, 1D diffraction patterns, and 2D diffraction patterns
- Displays simulated diffraction patterns for phases in graph
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Directly interfaces to all PDF databases for accurate filtering and analysis – full data mining
- Excels at the identification of low concentration phases
- Supports X-ray, synchrotron, electron, and
neutron data - “Intelligent” RIR for semiquantitative analysis
OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE SPOKEN
READY TO PURCHASE PDF-4/MINERALS?
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors (recommended minimum), or better.
- Supported Microsoft® operating systems:
- Windows® 7 SP1
- Windows® 8/8.1
- Windows® 10
- Windows® 11
- 4 GB of system memory
- 2 GB of hard drive space
Note: It is necessary to have Administrator privileges or use the Administrator account and password for your local domain in order to install this product. You can obtain your domain by running the following command line in a Command Prompt window: ipconfig/all. Your local domain will appear next to the “Host” label.
Prior Release Requirements
2022 release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows® 7 SP1
- Windows® 8
- Windows® 8.1
- Windows® 10
- NTFS File System required
- 4 GB of System Memory
- Installation requires 1.5 GB of hard-disk space
2021 release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 1.5 GB
2020 release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 1.5 GB
2018 & 2019 release
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor or better
- Supported Microsoft® Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista® (32-bit) SP2
- Windows® 7 (32 & 64-bit) SP1
- Windows® 8 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 8.1 (32 & 64-bit)
- Windows® 10
- NTFS file system required
- System memory recommended – 4 GB
- Hard-disk space required – 1.5 GB
The PDF-4/Minerals 2023 database contains integrated data mining software and ICDD’s search-indexing software, SIeve+ (sold separately). SIeve+ activates for a free 30-day trial period upon installation. In order for SIeve+ to be activated past the 30 days, a license for SIeve+ must be purchased from ICDD or your vendor.
Explore the capabilities of PDF/Minerals 2023 with our extensive Help documentation, online tutorials, and videos. The Help files include a Table of Contents and fundamental information on how to use the database. The online tutorials are designed to demonstrate the features, applications, hints, and shortcuts for your PDF-4+ product.
ICDD InSession webinars are free to view. Enter your email, name, and affiliation to watch the most recent PDF Database webinars. Browse the sections below to see the webinar descriptions and speaker bios.
How to properly install your PDF product:
Media Available for Purchase –
USB, DVD, or Download
Vendor Software –
ICDD partners with licensed software developers, including equipment manufacturers and independent developers to develop commercial data analysis programs that work seamlessly with our databases.
Ordering Information –
Please send us a sales order via fax, email, or mail. ICDD requires the name of the end-user on all orders. Use product codes in your order, if possible. A convenient Order/Quotation Form can be found here.
Pricing –
The prices listed herein supersede all others previously published and are subject to change without notice. ICDD reserves the right to discontinue any product at its discretion. See the Price List or contact our Customer Service Department for the most recent product information and pricing.
Return Policy –
Products may be returned within 30 days from the invoice date for a full refund or credit (excluding shipping/handling). Products must be returned in their original condition to qualify for a refund or credit. Registered products do not qualify. Please complete a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form to receive approval prior to returning the product. Defective products will be replaced promptly but must be returned for testing.
Warranty Policy –
Customers’ sole remedy for any defective Licensed Product shall be replacement of the Licensed Product, which right must be exercised by written notice given within 30 days of purchase. Defective products will be replaced promptly but must be returned for testing.
Payment Terms –
Wire transfers, credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), and checks in USD$ and drawn on U.S. banks are acceptable forms of payment. Letters of credit will not be accepted. Payment is due within 30 days from the invoice date. Finance charges of 1.5% per month (annual percentage rate of 18%) may be applied to overdue balances.
Licensing –
ICDD licenses the use of the Powder Diffraction File and software. Licensing for the PDF-2, PDF-4 product line, and associated software (SIeve and SIeve+) are packaged with the DVD, USB, and/or dongle. ICDD’s product licenses are nontransferable and intended for use on a single computer. It is expressly prohibited to access the database over a network or access the database using desktop sharing or screen sharing software*. Please refer to the sales descriptions and product policies for further information on licensing.
*Contact ICDD for PDF-4+/Web licensing.
Site Licensing
Multi-year Licensing
Shipment –
All orders shipped by ICDD are F.O.B. Newtown Square, PA, U.S.A. Import duties and all taxes are not included in pricing and are the sole responsibility of the customer. Shipment will be made by a commercial carrier chosen by ICDD. For your convenience, shipping charges will be added to all invoices. Shipments can be insured upon request; additional charges will apply.
Orders & Delivery –
All orders are handled on a First In, First Out (FIFO) priority queue. Delivery will occur approximately 30 days on items in stock after receipt of the completed order.
Note: Customers in Japan, South Korea, and Russia must order through an ICDD licensed vendor.
The Powder Diffraction FileTM (PDF®) 
Not sure which database you should purchase? Search using chemical name, formula, and elements
to find out which ICDD database product is right for you.
Call (610) 325-9814 or toll free (866) 378-9331 (US and Canada) or email sales@icdd.com
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