Pierre Berthier

Pierre Berthier (July 3, 1782 – August 24, 1861) was a French geologist and mining engineer. After studying at the École Polytechnique, he went to the École des Mines, where he became chief of the laboratory in 1816.

In 1821 while working in the village Les Baux de Provence in southern France, he discovered the mineral bauxite, which is named for the place of its discovery. He also discovered the mineral Berthierite, which was named after him.

In addition to numerous contributions in minerology and mining, Berthier is also noted for his research into blast furnaces and for the utilization of phosphates by plants.

He was elected a member of the Académie des Sciences in 1825. In 1828, he became a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.