beryllium Geostandards Newsletter has continued its annual bibliography on geochemical reference samples (B13, B14). Roelandts also cataloged over 170 geochemical standards and provided references to compiled data (B15). SAMPLE PREPARATION AND DISSOLUTIONThe sample preparation step is frequently the most time consuming and a major potential source of error in any geochemical analysis. Numerous approaches have been used to automate this step such as using robots to grind samples (Cl) or to perform acid digestions. The use of microwave ovens to speed up the digestion process is becoming commonplace.