The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) promotes quality and good practice in the area of gold and silver refining and trade. The production and sale of Gold and Silver Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) represent part of this effort.

For more information or to enquire about purchasing reference materials please email us: mail@lbma.org.uk

Gold CRMs are now availble for purchase and Silver CRMs will be available at the end of March 2010.

Homogeneity

For the gold CRMs, samples were cut from the rolled ingot according to a grid pattern. Fifteen pieces were selected systematically from the grid pattern, which encompassed three samples from each of five evenly spaced rows of cut pieces. The samples were chosen to cover the edges and the middle of the rolled ingot. Samples were analysed at the top, bottom, and at a 3mm depth for each of the elements in a random order. Concentration data were obtained by two different laboratories: using spark ablation ICP-OES and using spark optical emission spectrometry. Results from these tests were evaluated using ANOVA and found to be satisfactory. A similar approach was used for the silver CRMs.

Format of the CRMs

The Gold CRMs consist of a set of two rectangular blocks – 21 x 21 x 6mm and weighing approximately 51 grams each. The silver CRMs are slightly longer (26x26x7mm) and weigh 50g each.

Ordering LBMA Gold CRMs

The cost for these materials is in two parts: firstly, a fixed cost and secondly, a variable part which includes the cost of shipment and, in the case of the gold CRMs, the value of the gold content (based on current gold price).

Fixed cost per set (one unit of each RM) LBMA Members & Good Delivery Refiners: USD 3, 750.
Other purchasers: USD 4, 500.

For more information or to enquire about purchasing reference materials please email us: mail@lbma.org.uk

The master alloys used in manufacturing the gold reference materials at Tanaka KK.