A Standard Metadata Template for Representing Mineral Spectral Reference Samples

This dataset provides a standardized template for recording metadata of mineral spectral reference specimens within the CSIRO Mineral Resources Discovery program. It captures essential properties of reference samples—including name, identifier, type, location, and analytical data—alongside associated metadata such as project details, hazard declarations, and physical storage information. The template is designed to support the cataloguing of reference samples collected by the program, including those from the National Virtual Core Library (NVCL) collection. By standardizing data entry, it minimizes duplication and reduces metadata redundancy, thereby enhancing the efficiency, consistency, and discoverability of the program’s physical sample curation.