Sample Collection
The sampler will need: A field map, baggies (Zip-lock), a marking pen (Sharpie,
permanent marker) a pencil (for recording field sample points) and a stout hand shovel.
Other useful items would be a GPS a compass and a backpack.
permanent marker) a pencil (for recording field sample points) and a stout hand shovel.
Other useful items would be a GPS a compass and a backpack.
Sample Location
Geochemistry is a statistical process. A single sample point is used to represent the geochemical value
of an area. The size of this area is determined by the sample density. The point at which you sample is
only one value of the distribution of potential sample values available in the sampled area. The
significance of this is that geochemical sample points do not have to be precisely located. Therefore the
sampler should adjust the sampling location if the conditions of that sample are poor. Disturbed or
excavated areas should be avoided as should areas contaminated with hydrocarbons, chemicals or
animal wastes. Swamps and areas that are continually under water should not be sampled. The sampler
should attempt to locate on the field map the sample point as closely as possible to the actual sample site
but absolute precision is not critical to the geochemical survey results. A field vehicle odometer combined
with topographic orientation will provide acceptable sample locating precision unless sample density is
less than 1/10 kilometer. GPS systems are both inexpensive and accurate and are great for geochemical
surveys
of an area. The size of this area is determined by the sample density. The point at which you sample is
only one value of the distribution of potential sample values available in the sampled area. The
significance of this is that geochemical sample points do not have to be precisely located. Therefore the
sampler should adjust the sampling location if the conditions of that sample are poor. Disturbed or
excavated areas should be avoided as should areas contaminated with hydrocarbons, chemicals or
animal wastes. Swamps and areas that are continually under water should not be sampled. The sampler
should attempt to locate on the field map the sample point as closely as possible to the actual sample site
but absolute precision is not critical to the geochemical survey results. A field vehicle odometer combined
with topographic orientation will provide acceptable sample locating precision unless sample density is
less than 1/10 kilometer. GPS systems are both inexpensive and accurate and are great for geochemical
surveys
Procedure
Sample identification numbers should
be as simple as possible. This saves
time in the field and reduces errors. The
simplest system is consecutive numbers
beginning with 1. Letters preceding the
number (i.e. PRJ1) can uniquely identify
the samples for each of your project
areas. Prior to the commencement of
collection an adequate number of bags
should be numbered and organized in
groups of ten. Using the bags
sequentially and recording the bag
number on the field map or "marking"
with a GPS at the time of collection
eliminates almost all collection errors.
Each sample should be a composite of
three to five equal scoops of soil
separated by a few feet. Samples
should come from the top few inches of
the soil. Rocks, coarse material, Plant
debris, Insects and small animals should
be excluded. The total sample should be
200 to 300 grams (7 to 10 ounces).
After collection the baggies should be
carefully sealed.
be as simple as possible. This saves
time in the field and reduces errors. The
simplest system is consecutive numbers
beginning with 1. Letters preceding the
number (i.e. PRJ1) can uniquely identify
the samples for each of your project
areas. Prior to the commencement of
collection an adequate number of bags
should be numbered and organized in
groups of ten. Using the bags
sequentially and recording the bag
number on the field map or "marking"
with a GPS at the time of collection
eliminates almost all collection errors.
Each sample should be a composite of
three to five equal scoops of soil
separated by a few feet. Samples
should come from the top few inches of
the soil. Rocks, coarse material, Plant
debris, Insects and small animals should
be excluded. The total sample should be
200 to 300 grams (7 to 10 ounces).
After collection the baggies should be
carefully sealed.
Soil should be collected from the top 2 in.
The sample should be 7 to 10 ounces
unless the soil is unusually coarse then
a larger sample may be needed to
provide sufficient fine fraction.
unless the soil is unusually coarse then
a larger sample may be needed to
provide sufficient fine fraction.
Three to five equal scoops should be collected from the immediate area and placed in the numbered
bag.
bag.
Shipping
Samples can be shipped directly to GrayStone Labs. A good way to ship your samples is in five gallon
buckets. Buckets can not be damaged during shipping, they hold forty to fifty pounds of samples and they
have a handle. Small and medium sized cardboard boxes also work well as long as you place the
samples in plastic trash bags to prevent moisture from reaching the cardboard and tape the box heavily.
Keep boxes less than 20 kg (45 lbs). The box should be sealed with heavy shipping tape and addressed
exactly as listed below. If you are sending samples from out of the United States please call
303-278-3252, and I'll give you the special shipping information you will need for the importation of
samples.
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc.
15400 W 44th Ave. Suite 21
Golden, CO 80403
Contents: Soil Samples
buckets. Buckets can not be damaged during shipping, they hold forty to fifty pounds of samples and they
have a handle. Small and medium sized cardboard boxes also work well as long as you place the
samples in plastic trash bags to prevent moisture from reaching the cardboard and tape the box heavily.
Keep boxes less than 20 kg (45 lbs). The box should be sealed with heavy shipping tape and addressed
exactly as listed below. If you are sending samples from out of the United States please call
303-278-3252, and I'll give you the special shipping information you will need for the importation of
samples.
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc.
15400 W 44th Ave. Suite 21
Golden, CO 80403
Contents: Soil Samples
GPS
Back Pack
Hand Shovel
Clip Board
Utility Belt
Ready for the Field
Field Equipment
| General Info Price list FAQ Lab Information Survey Design Collection Sample Bags GPS Tips Interpretation Statistics Links |
Exploration Labs, Inc.
Exploration Labs, Inc.
Exploration Labs, Inc.
GrayStone
GrayStone
GrayStone
GrayStone
Exploration GeoChemistry
Exploration GeoChemistry
Exploration GeoChemistry