Geochemical Reference Materials

This project provides Mineral Resources Program scientists with access to state-of-the-art analytical laboratories and expertise to advance the Program mission. The project also develops new analytical techniques and methodologies to improve data quality and geological interpretations for USGS scientists.

The Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center distributes geochemical reference materials and microanalytical reference materials. Reference materials are suitable for use in testing analytical methodologies and as quality control samples.

The project focus was the development of traditional and microanalytical reference materials that support USGS geochemical investigations. Development of new microanalytical reference materials allows USGS scientists and outside customers to examine a greater range of sample types while maintaining a high degree of data reliability.

The USGS Spectral Library contains reflectance spectra, including samples of minerals, rocks, soils, physically constructed as well as mathematically computed mixtures, plants, vegetation communities, microorganisms, and man-made materials. The samples and spectra collected were assembled for the purpose of using spectral features for the remote detection of these and similar materials. The latest...