The goal is to promote the science of mineralogy and to standardize the nomenclature of the 5000 plus known mineral species.
The IMA is affiliated with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
The Association supports the activities of Commissions and Working Groups involved on certain aspects of mineralogical practice and facilitates interactions among mineralogists by sponsoring and organising meetings.
In particular, the IMA holds its general meeting every four years.
Traditionally, the validation procedure of new minerals is one of the chairman's tasks and the discreditation or revalidation procedure of invalid species are two of the vice-chairman's tasks.