Please can someone point me in the right direction.

Lightmanx · Dec 4, 2015

I recently acquired a 15lbs bag of mil spec pins from my grandfather that he's had over 40 years. I have been doing a bit of research and have come across many methods of refining, some of which I do not feel confident enough to attempt, such as cyanide. I was think more along the lines of nitric acid, and already have access to the acid. Or aqua regia. Like I said I already have nitric acid, aqua regia, sodium metabisulfite, and urea. I would just like some opinions as to how I should go about this process. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Justincase · Dec 5, 2015

Look very modern but I suppose 40 years is only 1970 or so now. Boy am I beginning to feel old.
Taking into consideration what you know I would say pack them away again.
such pin's have returned any thing form 1g a kilo to 4g when I have run them.
If they are magnetic you may get away with old fashioned oxidation for the initial strip.
If they are not magnetic you will have to work up slowly to a sulphuric acid cell if you want to be economical.
How many time's have you read Mrs Hoke? I think you have some reading to catch up on.
The only place urea should go is down the drain, have not seen any practical use for it in refining apart from PH manipulation in small quantity's.
Regards
J

Lightmanx · Dec 5, 2015

They definitely are not magnetic. I am fairly new at this and that was one of my concerns was the base metal because I'm not 100% as to what it is. And you are correct I have a lot of researching to do. I'm going to take my time to figure out what is needed to complete the process safely. So you say hokes is what I should be reading up on?

Justincase · Dec 5, 2015

Lightmanx said:
They definitely are not magnetic. I am fairly new at this and that was one of my concerns was the base metal because I'm not 100% as to what it is. And you are correct I have a lot of researching to do. I'm going to take my time to figure out what is needed to complete the process safely. So you say hokes is what I should be reading up on?

Read Hoke a good number of time's, do not move beyond her instruction until just about all the post's you read here make sense.
Better to save up material for a year or so the gold took two hundred million years or there about to get to you so despite the rumour's of greedy people it is not going any where. a year or two going through all Mrs Hoke's guidance is the best investment you can make with your time.
Good luck, play safe, do not go loosing any value or even worse an eye.