mat-db-mp

Query the Materials Project API for crystal structures and computed properties.

144|21|Updated Jan 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/learningmatter-mit/AtomisticSkills --skill mat-db-mp
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mat-db-mp
Source: https://github.com/learningmatter-mit/AtomisticSkills/tree/main/.agents/skills/mat-db-mp
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/learningmatter-mit/AtomisticSkills --skill mat-db-mp

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires mp-api, pymatgen, monty, pymatgen-analysis-magnetism, ase, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill retrieves crystal structures and computed materials properties from the Materials Project so you can quickly shortlist candidates for downstream analysis and simulation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Query crystal structures and properties: Search by chemical system or formula and filter by stability metrics like energy above hull, while exporting requested values and structure content.
  • Retrieve elasticity and magnetism datasets: Pull bulk/shear moduli and full elastic tensors, or magnetic ordering and magnetic moments, with optional property-range filters.
  • Run structure similarity search: Find structurally similar materials using CrystalNN-based fingerprinting and return ranked dissimilarity scores for exploration.

Quick Start

Use the mat-db-mp skill to query stable Li-S materials with energy above hull below 0.05 eV/atom and return up to 10 results.

Frequently Asked Questions about mat-db-mp

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I query crystal structures and computed properties from the Materials Project?

You query crystal structures and properties from the Materials Project by searching with a chemical system or formula, applying filters like energy above hull, and exporting the requested values and structure content as JSON outputs.

Can I retrieve elasticity and magnetism datasets for inorganic crystals using pymatgen?

Yes, you can retrieve elasticity and magnetism datasets by pulling bulk and shear moduli, full elastic tensors, magnetic ordering, and magnetic moments with optional property-range filters for inorganic crystals.

What's the best way to find structurally similar materials across chemical systems?

The best way to find structurally similar materials is using CrystalNN-based fingerprinting, which calculates and returns ranked dissimilarity scores for exploration across different chemical systems.

Do I need an MP_API_KEY to access Materials Project data for materials discovery?

Yes, you need an authenticated MP_API_KEY to access Materials Project data and retrieve candidate inorganic crystals and their computed properties for materials discovery workflows.

Does this approach work with ASE and pymatgen for filtering stable inorganic crystals?

Yes, it works with ASE and pymatgen to filter stable inorganic crystals by querying selectable summary and thermo endpoints for targeted stability metrics and computed properties.

What are the limitations of CrystalNN-based similarity search for property querying?

CrystalNN-based similarity search is limited to ranking structural dissimilarity scores and requires optional post-filtering by chemical system, meaning it does not directly compute properties or guarantee structural uniqueness.