Definition
The Geochemical Journal is a scholarly, peer‑reviewed periodical that publishes original research articles, reviews, and short communications in the field of geochemistry.
Overview
The journal covers a broad spectrum of topics related to the chemical composition and processes of Earth and planetary materials, including but not limited to isotopic geochemistry, mineral‑fluid interactions, environmental geochemistry, and biogeochemical cycles. It is published by Wiley on behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and is indexed in major scientific databases such as Web of Science and Scopus. The publication schedule is typically monthly, providing researchers with a continual outlet for disseminating recent advances in geochemical theory and application.
Etymology / Origin
The title combines “geochemical,” derived from the Greek gē (earth) and khēmia (alchemy or chemistry), with “journal,” denoting a regular scholarly publication. The term was introduced when the journal was launched to reflect its dedicated focus on geochemical research. The exact year of establishment is not definitively confirmed in publicly accessible sources; some references suggest the journal began publishing in the late 20th century.
Characteristics
- Peer‑review process: Submissions undergo evaluation by independent experts to ensure scientific rigor and relevance.
- Scope of content: Articles address experimental, theoretical, and field‑based studies across all sub‑disciplines of geochemistry.
- Article types: Includes full research papers, concise communications, review articles, and occasional thematic special issues.
- Access model: Operates under a hybrid model, offering both subscription‑based access and an open‑access option for authors electing to pay an article‑processing charge.
- Impact and indexing: The journal is cited in citation indexes and possesses an impact factor; however, the current precise value is not verified in available sources.
- Digital presence: Content is available online through the publisher’s platform, with DOI assignment for each article.
Related Topics
- Geochemistry
- Earth science journals (e.g., Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Chemical Geology)
- Mineralogy and petrology
- Isotope geochemistry
- Environmental chemistry
- Planetary science
Note: Certain specific details such as the exact year of inception and the current impact factor are not conclusively confirmed in the accessible literature.