MSA was founded in 1919 for the advancement of mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry, and petrology, and promotion of their uses in other sciences, industry, and the arts.

MSA represents the United States with regard to the science of mineralogy in any international context.

MSA's special interest groups are composed of individuals who have informally joined to organize review volumes, meetings, workshops, etc.

Membership in the Society is open to any person interested in mineralogy and related sciences regardless of residence or citizenship.

Individuals from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and about 40 countries belong to the Society, giving it and its publications an international readership.