Testing for Gold and PGMs Part 1

[lazersteve]

All,

Here is one of three testing procedures for combined precious metals:

Test 1:

For this test you will need:

• Non-iodized table salt (NaCl)
  
• Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3)
  
• Distilled Water

Here's what to do:

1. Evenly mix test material 1:1 with salt.
   
2. Heat for 1 hour at 1500 F ( 816 C)
   
3. Dissolve into distilled water.
   
4. Add saturated solution of ammonium nitrate ( 190 gm per 100 mL @ 20C )

Results:

• Gold will precipitate as native gold.
  
• Rhodium will form an orange-yellow precipitate soluble in HCl.
  
• Osium drops as a red salt.
  
• Upon boiling Iridium slowly drops as a yellow precipitate.

I will be posting two other test procedures for the other PGM's shortly.

The above testing information from Prospector Ed's guide.

Steve

 

[lazersteve]

All,

If you are interested in learning some great assay information consider this post a tidbit of free advertisment for Ed's Great guide. You can buy the entire guide on his website :

http://www.prospectored.com

Keep up the good work Ed!!


Steve