Sample Submission
How to prepare, document, and coordinate samples for geochemical analyses.
SPICe Lab is currently in a development phase. Analytical measurements are conducted through collaborating international laboratories, while SPICe Lab supports preparation, documentation, coordination, and interpretation of results.
Before submitting samples
Please contact us before preparing or sending any material. Each project requires specific techniques, and we will help you define the appropriate analyses, partner laboratories, and sample formats. Early coordination avoids delays, unnecessary costs, and material loss.
Field sampling support
In many projects, the quality of geochemical data depends directly on how sampling is performed. SPICe Lab can support with sampling design, field protocols, and on-site sample collection when necessary. This ensures proper documentation, contamination control, and dataset consistency.
We can coordinate sampling of waters, soils, sediments, carbonates, mineral materials, and other sample types, according to project needs and logistics.
Sample types we can work with
SPICe Lab can assist with a variety of materials, including:
Waters
Water samples (rivers, wells, rain, lakes, brines).
Soils
Soil and sediment samples.
Carbonates
Carbonates (travertines, speleothems, marine and continental carbonates).
Minerals
Mineral grains and rock fragments.
Industrial materials
Industrial materials (brines, process residues, powders).
Biogeochemistry
Biogeochemical material (plant tissues, organic matter).
General preparation guidelines
Specific requirements depend on the analytical technique and laboratory. After discussing your project, we will provide detailed instructions. Generally:
Clean bottles; filtration or acidification may be required.
Air-dried or oven-dried; sieving if applicable; avoid metal contamination.
Clean fragments or drilled powders; avoid glues, epoxies, or metallic tools.
Hand-picked grains or small fragments in vials.
If preferred, SPICe Lab can coordinate or perform field sampling to ensure samples meet the analytical technique and partner laboratory requirements.
Required documentation
Every shipment must include a sample list with:
- Unique sample IDs
- Material type
- Sampling location
- Sampling date (if applicable)
- Requested analyses
- Relevant observations
Shipping & logistics
Once the analytical plan is defined, we will coordinate the destination laboratory (Chile or international). Shipping requirements depend on:
- Sample type
- Destination laboratory
- Transport regulations
We can support with documentation and packaging to ensure safe arrival.
After analysis
Once results are delivered, SPICe Lab supports with:
- Quality verification
- Data interpretation
- Visualization and reporting
- Integration with other datasets