State of Homogeneity A homogeneity assessment for gold was performed by an independent laboratory on 30 g samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Thirty gram samples were analysed for silver using fire assay with lead collection and determination by atomic absorption spectroscopy. No evidence of inhomogeneity was found for gold or silver. No evidence of inhomogeneity was observed. Use of a smaller sub-sample will invalidate the use of the certified value and associated parameters.
Further details are available in the certification report.
Method of Certification Twenty industrial, commercial, and government laboratories participated in the 1998 interlaboratory certification program. Gold and silver were analysed by a variety methods. A statistical analysis of the data yielded recommended values for gold, and a provisional value for silver. The Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project has prepared this reference material and statistically evaluated the analytical data of the interlaboratory certification program to the best of its ability. These certified values are valid until 2007.