The Standard
IBSA/CSPI/STD-7
The reference standard for the morphological classification of specimens. Fourth edition, in force since 1 January 2026. Seven types, mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive within the scope stated below.
Scope
This standard applies to discrete specimens presented for classification under direct observation. It does not apply to material that cannot be resolved into discrete specimens, which is an *event* and lies outside the scope of any type. It does not apply to unattended specimens for certification purposes. It does not apply to odour, which is not a surface characteristic, as was settled in 1999.The seven types
| Type | Designation | Defining criterion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discrete indurated fragments | Separate hard masses, individually distinguishable, not adherent to one another. |
| 2 | Aggregated form, irregular surface | A single elongated mass composed of discernible constituent fragments. |
| 3 | Aggregated form, fissured surface | A single elongated mass with surface fissures but no separable constituents. |
| 4 | Continuous form, smooth surface | A single elongated mass of uniform surface and consistent diameter. |
| 5 | Separated masses, defined margins | Distinct soft masses, each retaining a clearly defined edge. |
| 6 | Separated masses, indefinite margins | Soft masses without defined edges, retaining a recognisable form. |
| 7 | Unstructured | No form is retained. No constituent masses are identifiable. |
Boundary criteria
The great majority of classification errors occur at the boundary between two adjacent types. The following criteria are determinative. Where a specimen appears to satisfy the criteria of two types, it satisfies neither, and the examiner records it as unclassified.
Distinguished from Type 2 by the absence of any connecting material.
Distinguished from Type 3 by the fragments remaining individually identifiable.
Distinguished from Type 4 by the presence of fissures under standard examination lighting.
The reference type. All other types are defined by their departure from it.
Distinguished from Type 6 by the margins remaining intact. See Erratum 4/2026-01.
Distinguished from Type 7 by the persistence of form.
The first type defined. Where the material cannot be resolved into discrete specimens at all, the standard does not apply and the material is an event.
Reference illustrations
Figures 1 to 7 accompany the standard and are reproduced in the Reference Set issued to candidates. Each figure shows a single type in a single aspect. The figures are not to scale. The Association has twice been asked what scale would be appropriate and has not answered.In §4.2, the phrase clearly discernible is replaced by discernible under standard examination lighting. The amendment concerns the boundary between Types 5 and 6 and applies to all sessions from 2026/IV onward.
Candidates examined under the previous wording are not re-examined. The Examination Board has considered the question and does not intend to consider it again.
Revision
The fourth edition entered into force on 1 January 2026 and carries one erratum. The next scheduled revision is Q2 2029. The first edition appeared in 2001, four years after the founding. The delay is attributed to Types 1 and 2, which were the last to be agreed and which the Standards Committee has described, in the only minute of the period to survive, as the least interesting. Type 7 was written first.A study of classification accuracy by instrument section was conducted in 2013 by a national member organisation. It is reproduced here. The Association has not endorsed it.
Proposals to amend the standard are submitted to the Standards Committee in writing, through a national member organisation. Proposals submitted by individuals are acknowledged and filed.