| Abstract: | Progress in geochemical analysis depends on progress in geostandards. The present state of the availability and quality of the geostandards is reviewed for major and trace elements. The several geochemical methods employed are evaluated by their performances in the characterization of geostandards. Signs of progress are visible in the quality of geostandards for major and “common” trace elements. There are also new developments in geoanalytical methods. It is hoped that optical emission inductively coupled plasma spectrometry will play an increasing role in the characterization of trace elements which are normally present in less than 10 ppm concentration levels.Like it or not, progress in geochemical analysis is intimately tied up with the quality of geochemical reference samples (GRS). The converse is true as well; therefore, how well and to what extent international geochemical reference samples are characterized for their chemical composition reflect in a way the current status of geoanalytical methods employed the world over. |
