Constant study and research by Mankind has led to the discovery of new minerals. There are now more than 4300 types of named minerals in the world. Advances in the sensitivity and accuracy of analytical instruments have allowed new tiny minerals to be discovered in recent years.

Despite the small size of Taiwan and relatively youthful geological age, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks can all be found throughout the island and more than 200 types of minerals have been identified so far.