Lithogeochemistry

Last updated on March 18, 2025

Province-wide lithogeochemical data collected by British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) geoscientists and their research partners. 

Current Version:

Update of rock geochemical database at the British Columbia Geological Survey

BCGS_GF2024-09

T. Han and A.S. Rukhlov 

Rock geochemical data are an integral part of provincial lithogeochemical data, which also include data from till, drainage sediments such as alluvium (including heavy mineral concentrates), moss-mat sediment, and lacustrine deposits. These lithogeochemical data characterize primary dispersion of elements in bedrock and secondary dispersion in weathered rocks, soil, and other surficial sediments, including mechanical dispersion by streams, gravity flows, and glaciers. The development and operation of the British Columbia Geological Survey rock geochemical database allows long-lasting storage and consistent update of rock geochemical data collected from across the province. For the current update, new rock geochemical data were compiled, format standardized, metadata validated, quality checked, and populated into the database, where they were integrated with existing data for permanent storage.

Recommended citation: Han, T. and Rukhlov, A.S., 2024. Update of rock geochemical database at the British Columbia Geological Survey. British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, British Columbia Geological Survey GeoFile 2024-09, 5p.

The current version is downloadable here.

Previous versions:

  • Han, T. and Rukhlov, A.S., 2020. Update of rock geochemical database at the British Columbia Geological Survey. British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, British Columbia Geological Survey GeoFile 2020-02, 4p.
  • Han, T., Rukhlov, A.S., Naziri, M., and Moy, A., 2016. New British Columbia lithogeochemical database: Development and preliminary data release. British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines, British Columbia Geological Survey GeoFile 2016-04, 6 p.
  • Paulen, R.C., and Lett, R.E., 2013. Geochemistry of gossans and float in the Kootenay, Slide Mountain, and Quesnel terranes (NTS 92P, 82M, 82L). British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines, British Columbia Geological Survey GeoFile 2013-07, 14 p.
  • Lett, R., and Ronning, C., 2005. BC Rock Geochemical Database. British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, British Columbia Geological Survey GeoFile 2005-14, 4 p.
  • Ronning, C., 2005. BC Rock Geochemical Database Manual. British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, British Columbia Geological Survey GeoFile 2005-15, 45 p.