The determination of twelve rare‐earth elements (REE), scandium, yttrium and hafnium in 32 geochemical reference materials by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) is reported. Results obtained show good agreement with previously published values and compilations. The method is based on a lithium metaborate fusion of the sample followed by a cation exchange separation. A small amount of oxalic acid added to the 6N HNO3eluant ensures the complete elution of hafnium with the other 14 eleme