A Review on Homogeneity Testing Techniques for Geochemical Reference Materials in China

In this paper, we review the current techniques used for homogeneity testing of preparations of geochemical reference materials from China. These techniques are: the determination methods, the statistical discrimination model, the expression/documentations of the qualitative and quantitative results, the determination of the minimum sampling mass, etc. In addition, we discuss the difficulties to meet the rules laid down for the homogeneity testing of geochemical reference materials in China, according to the Chinese national technical specifications, and from the guides of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and also those rules which are listed in the protocol of the International Geological Association (IAG). Further difficulties, existing in the homogeneity testing of the preparation of geochemical reference materials, are discussed.