The thematic set of papers on the topic of Environmental Mineralogy published in this issue of the Mineralogical Magazine represents part of a collaborative effort with the Mineralogical Society of America (MSA). A parallel issue of the American Mineralogist (2003, volume 88 part 11-12) includes a separate thematic set of papers on the same topic. A request for papers following the Environmental Mineralogy sessions at IMA 2002, held in Edinburgh, has led to these two thematic issues. The papers appearing in these two 'green' issues are the result of an effort jointly conceived by officers of the Mineralogical Societies of Great Britain and Ireland (MSGBI) and of America (MSA). Both Societies have separately come to realize that they are currently not the natural home for mineralogists working in environmental sciences or, in general, those studying the surficial environment. None of the journals of either Society is currently seen as an ideal platform in which to publish environmental mineralogical science. It is axiomatic that the leading mineralogical societies of the world, in Britain, America, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere, need to publish mineralogical science that pertains to surficial and environmental science. Currently we have a poor track record of so doing. We need to reach out to environmental mineralogists and encourage them to join our Societies and publish in our journals.
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