Critical Minerals - Samples Analyzed for Geochemistry
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Rock samples from existing Maryland Geological Survey collections, representative of locations identified as having potential for hosting critical minerals, were submitted to the US Geological Survey for geochemical analysis. Each sample record contains sample description, location, and results of analyses including major elements as well as minor and trace elements.
PURPOSE
Geochemical data from these samples contributes to understanding of critical mineral resources in Maryland and the U.S.
STATUS
As part of the USGS National Geologic and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) FY2023, the Maryland Geological Survey prepared 50 rock samples for analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey, which is providing analyses for major elements and a select 60-element list to support minor and trace element analyses including the rare earth elements. Maryland samples came from existing collections and be representative of Piedmont locations identified as having potential for hosting critical minerals. The Maryland Geological Survey prepared an inventory of the samples, their source location and description.
Information about this collection was submitted to the online Registry of Scientific Collections (ReSciColl) for the national program (see link below). It is expected that sample information will link to the USGS laboratory results, when available: (https://webapps.usgs.gov/rescicoll/collections.html?collection=66d216a1a984c476c4fc58e7&organization=4f4e4761e4b07f02db47dfca) .
CRITICAL MINERALS SAMPLE COLLECTION INQUIRIES
For inquiries regarding the MGS Critical Minerals Collection, please contact:
Ms. Rebecca Kavage Adams – 410-554-5553, rebecca.adams@maryland.gov
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The work described above was funded in part by a grant awarded in 2023 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) (grant number G23AP00430).
