Sample Collection
A 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.
(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.
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
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
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
expel the air and carefully
seal the baggie.
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
expel the air and carefully
seal the baggie.
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.
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.
the immediate area and placed in the numbered 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
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
GPS
Back Pack
Hand Shovel
Clip Board
Utility Belt
Ready for the Field
Field Equipment
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc
