A Standard Metadata Template for Representing Mineral Spectral Reference Samples

This dataset contains a standard template for representing the metadata of mineral spectral reference specimens in the CSIRO Mineral Resources Discovery program. The template includes core properties of samples such as their name, identifier, type, and location, as well as associated metadata such as project, hazard declaration and physical storage. The template will be used to catalogue reference samples used for mineral spectral analysis (NVCL). It has been developed iteratively, revised, and improved based on feedback from researchers and lab technicians. This standardized template can prevent duplicate sample metadata entry and lower metadata redundancy, thereby improving the program's physical sample curation and discovery.