Mineral notes

A mineral is defined as a solid, inorganic and crystallized substance. A mineral results from a natural geological process and is the main constituent of rock. A mineral is characterized by its chemical composition and the organization of its atoms. Under the influence of air, water, temperature, and various bacteria, the mineral adapts and its atoms change by recombining. There are, at present, more than 4,750 known mineral species.

Classification of minerals

Since the 18th century, minerals have been classified according to their chemical composition. There are 8 classes, namely elements, sulfides, halides, oxides and hydroxides, carbonates (nitrates, borates, iodates), sulfates (chromates, molybdates, tungstates), phosphates (arsenates, vanadates), and silicates. A ninth class can also be added, that of organic compounds. The classification of minerals is carried out according to the Strunz classification and has been adopted by the International Mineralogical Association. In perfumery, mineral notes, reproduced in the laboratory, are used within numerous fragrances. Mineral notes give off freshness, a breath of freedom and renewal.

The use of mineral notes in perfumery

Mineral notes are therefore synthetic notes. As they offer intense freshness, mineral notes are positioned mainly in the top notes. Mineral notes combine in perfumery with all ingredients. They can be found within an oriental-woody fragrance such as M7 Oud Absolu by Yves Saint Laurent, where mineral notes sit in the top notes alongside mandarin. Terre Parfum d'Hermès, by Hermès, is also well known for the integration of ultra-fresh mineral notes into an eminently masculine composition. Another masculine composition featuring mineral notes is Black XS Los Angeles For Him- Edition limitée by Paco Rabanne. In this woody-aromatic, the mineral notes sit in the base notes.

While the mineral is associated with earth, it is increasingly prized by perfumers. Mineral notes give compositions a truly fresh and novel character.