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Abstract:
Proficiency testing (PT) is one of the few ways for an analytical laboratory to assess data quality under
routine operating conditions. Here we report the results of Round 1 of the G-Chron PT programme,
which is sponsored by the International Association of Geoanalysts. G-Chron is the first PT scheme
devoted to the U-Th-Pb dating of mineral phases, primarily zircon, in geological materials. In
this first round of G-Chron a total of 72 geochronology laboratories received the test material “Rak-17”,
which previously had been characterized by seven well-established isotope dilution TIMS laboratories. A
total of 63 of the PT participating laboratories reported data by the 15 December 2019 deadline. Here
we both report and assess the measurement results submitted to this round. Our analysis provides a
means for participating laboratories to assess their individual performance in relation to the isotope
ages assigned, the experimental fitness-for-purpose criteria proposed by the scheme’s organisers and
the results of similar laboratories participating in this round.
