The presence of arsenic can be tested for by grinding a sample of the ore to be tested to a fine powder, then moisten the end of a "Platinum Wire" (a short length of wooden dowl with a length of platinum wire protruding from one end. They can be obtained from "Miners Incorporated" www.minerox.com) with distilled water, ( "City Water" contains chlorine, and the chlorine could react with elements in the sample, causing the flame color to change) and then dipping the tip in the finely ground sample. Now place the tip of the platinum wire in the uppermost part of an alcohol lamp flame. ("Alcohol Lamps" can be obtained from "Miners" as well.) The predominant mineral in the sample will impart a color to the colorless alcohol flame. With Arsenic the color imparted to the flame is light blue, with Lead it is whitish blue, with Tellurium it is pale blue, and with Selenium it is darkish blue. I hope that this has been of some help. Sincerely; Rick.
