A review on reference materials for oceanic geology and mineral resources in the world

Abstract：Since the 1980’s, totally 4 batches and 11 pieces of oceanic geology and mineral resource reference materials have been prepared by China. Four oceanic reference material series of polymetallic nodules (GSPN-1～3), cobalt-rich seamount crusts (GSMC-1～3),Platinum group elements(PGE) in Co-rich curst (MCPt-1, 2) and deep-sea sediments (GSMS-1～3) have been formed. In this paper, a brief introduction to the background for the preparation of the above reference materials is presented. In addition, emphasis is placed on the comparison of the certified values, characteristics and applications of the oceanic geology and mineral resources reference materials prepared by China and such foreign countries as the United States, Russia, India and Japan. Compared with things of these foreign countries, the preparation work of oceanic reference materials started relatively late in China; nevertheless, as some advanced analytical techniques were adopted and quite a few foreign laboratories participated in the collaborative analysis programme, many components were analyzed and certified, and three good oceanic reference material series were developed in China. These reference materials have had considerable influence in the world.