Geochemical mapping started in the Soviet Union in the 1930s for the purpose of mineral exploration (Fersman, 1939), where it was used for the delineation of potential mineralized areas, and thereafter slowly spread to other parts of the world.

Who discovered geochemistry?

The Norwegian Victor Moritz Goldschmidt (1888–1947) had the greatest impact on geochemistry in the early to mid-20th century. In an important biography Mason (1992) named him the father of modern geochemistry.

How long has geochemistry been around?

Environmental geochemistry came into prominence in the 1980s when environmental concerns made the tracking of chemicals in organic tissues, groundwater, surface water, the marine environment, soil, and rock important to scientists, engineers, and government agencies responsible for the public wellbeing.