And the monkey pushes the BUTTON!

[RLB1969]

Hello Gentleman,
I would like to introduce myself. I reside here in western Colorado and have been packing a chunk of gold/lead ore around for about 15 years.Until recently it was just part of a rock hound collection. A buddy of mine suggested that I send a sample off to have it tested with a electron microscope. I sent a sample to a refiner and the findings were that from the 1oz sample I sent was 98% lead and 2% gold.The chunk of ore that I have is a total of 40#. So my mission if it is even feasible is to refine this piece of ore through the knowledge I gain from this forum. Thank you in advance for any input.
Fraternally
Roy L Beeson


Roy L Beeson
Western Colorado
Pipe tradesman
06/24/69
Outdoors-man and the things money can't buy!

 

[element47]

That is a hilarious costume for your little one!

 

[shaftsinkerawc]

At 98%Pb(Sure they didn't mean galena) it must look pretty homogenous? Do you have any photo's? Might be worth more as slabs sold to select collectors?

 

[RLB1969]

Yes, in fact it was in its original state very homogeneous. When we cross cut the sample with a tile saw it looked like pencil lead almost with the same characteristics.When striking the rock it was very soft and produced an almost graphite like spoil.When applying an conductivity test it was conductive from one side of the ore to the other.When heat testing Powder at 800 to 1200 F I observed it obtain a semi liquid state, semi-congeiling . I have since pulverized the sample to progress to a refining stage.
Was this a proper step? Does aqua regaia work for this type of refining?
Thanks for your time reading this post
RLB

 

[shaftsinkerawc]

Did the refiner just test for Pb/Au or did they do a multi-element assay? Any Ag testing? What wss the size of your 40lb sample and how did it fit on a tile saw? Did you actually get to cut off a slab?

 

[Harold_V]

Does aqua regaia work for this type of refining?

I'd love to get my hands around the throat of the person that started the aqua regia mania. It is almost always used improperly, and this would be an excellent example.

Before you entertain the idea of using any solvent that will dissolve all of the metallic elements, it's a good idea to pursue the elimination of those with little or no value. They're typically found in greater abundance and contaminate the target element---in this case---gold. While I am unable to suggest a viable process, digesting the entire mass isn't one that I would endorse.

Harold

 

[stihl88]

Just had to do it Harold

 

[Harold_V]

Just had to do it Harold

Perfect! :lol: 8)

H

 

[mdghamon]

You might want to try a sodium nitrate bath on a small portion. mix i quart of water with 1.2 pound of SN and warm on a hot plate or old griddle to about 120 degrees F. and a i ounce sample beaten thin and give it a day or so. The lead should dissolve and the gold will be left as a muddy substance. This can be dried and fired into a button.