M. J. Buerger
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
April 8, 1903 - February 25, 1986
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Scientific Discipline: Geology Membership Type:
Member
(elected 1953)
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M.J. Buerger’s research in X-ray diffraction revolutionized the field of structural mineralogy. He worked to improve both the quality of instrumentation and the methodology of crystallography by inventing numerous devices, including the X-ray precession camera. Using advanced instruments and techniques, Buerger provided insights into the atomic structure and properties of complex minerals. The mineral buergerite was named for him.
Buerger received his BS and MS degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also went on to earn his PhD in 1929. He started his career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a professor of mineralogy and crystallography. He served as president of the Mineralogical Society of America, the Geological Society of America, and Crystallographic Society of America.
