Preparation of reference materials at the BGS
The 51ΑΤΖζ has a longstanding track record of producing reference materials to be used for routine quality monitoring across a number of sectors, and in producing homogeneous materials for geological, soil and contaminated land proficiency testing schemes. We can homogenise and prepare representative subsample portions from a variety of geological and environmental materials in quantities from ~1 kg to ~250 kg.
For more information on this service, please contact us at inorganicgeochemistry@bgs.ac.uk
Reference materials for sale
We currently have a range of sixteen reference materials available for sale. Reference soils BGS110 to BGS119 each have containing reference and information values for 64 elements. They are intended for use as quality control samples for the determination of total elemental concentrations in soils, and contain a wide range of soil chemistry and elemental concentrations to cater for different analytical needs, interests and industries, e.g. agriculture, geochemical exploration, and contaminated land management.
51ΑΤΖζ102 Ironstone Soil is suitable for use in bioaccessibility testing, with whole soil concentration data reported for 13 elements and bioaccessibility data for As and Pb. Additional non-validated bioaccessibility data for a wide range of elements is available in:
We also offer five mineral reference materials, IGS 27, IGS 29, IGS 32, IGS 35 and IGS 39.
Data sheets for individual reference materials can be accessed via links in the table below, which also provides details of approximate sample weight and pricing.
How to purchase reference materials
For purchasing, and more information on the reference materials, please contact the inorganic geochemistry team with details of the specific reference materials of interest to you. A quotation for supply will be provided, incorporating packing/postage charges (detailed below). On approval of the quotation, you will be contacted regarding payment options. These items cannot be ordered and paid for directly from the online BGS shop.
Packing/postage is added as follows:
- Tracked UK delivery: Β£15.00
- Tracked European delivery: Β£25.00
- Tracked worldwide delivery: Β£35.00
All prices quoted exclude VAT at the applicable rate.
Sterilised samples of BGS110 to BGS126 (by gamma irradiation of at least 50 kGy) are available on request for supply to countries outside of the UK.
51ΑΤΖζ reference material details
| Name | Description | Weight (g) | Price (Β£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51ΑΤΖζ102 | Ironstone soil | 100 | 100 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ110 | Silty sand soil overlying till | 40 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ111 | Silty clay soil overlying serpentinite | 38 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ112 | Silty sand soil overlying granite | 43 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ113 | Silty clay soil overlying clastic metasediments | 38 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ114 | Silty soil overlying clastic metasediments | 41 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ115 | Silty/peaty soil overlying limestone | 24 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ116 | Silty soil overlying limestone | 43 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ117 | Silty soil overlying sandstone | 41 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ118 | Silty soil overlying shale | 38 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ119 | Soil with industrial contamination (<250ΞΌm) | 26 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ120 | Temperate clay loam soil | 58 | 60 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ121 | Temperate sandy clay loam soil | 95 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ122 | Temperate sandy loam soil | 95 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ123 | Temperate organic-rich soil | 95 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ124 | Temperate clay loam soil | 95 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ125 | Tropical iron rich clay loam soil | 95 | 90 |
| 51ΑΤΖζ126 | Tropical iron rich clay loam soil | 95 | 90 |
| IGS 27 | Molybdenum-tungsten (Mo-W) ore | 65 | 40 |
| IGS 29 | Pyrolusite | 40 | 40 |
| IGS 32 | Rutile | 45 | 40 |
| IGS 35 | Zircon | 50 | 40 |
| IGS 39 | Fluorite | 55 | 40 |
Contact
For purchasing and more information on the reference materials, please contact the inorganic geochemistry team.
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Science facilities
51ΑΤΖζ operates and maintains a wide range of state-of-the-art laboratories and other facilities, which underpin virtually all of our research.
Centre for Environmental Geochemistry
Focusing on the use of geochemistry in research, training and teaching.
Inorganic Geochemistry Facility
Providing high-quality analytical expertise and specialist services for the production and geochemical interpretation of inorganic data.