Transmutations of Mercury to Gold

[Dirtdiggaler]

This is what I have read and been taught. Solvent extraction is when you transfer certain ionic species in an aqueous solution to an organic solvent and I did not know that "liquid metals are a solvent of other metals" very interesting.
(Gold and silver are not soluble in mercury, as stated in most texts. The gold and silver simply combine with mercury to form a pasty mixture.

I'm inclined to disagree with that. If it was true that mercury did not dissolve gold and silver, dental amalgam wouldn't work as it does. It is also well known that covering a gold ring with mercury destroys the ring. It may be that it dissolves one of the alloying agents, however, which might also explain why dental amalgam works as it does. It contains some copper, along with silver.

It is like the relationship of diamonds and grease: Diamonds have an affinity for grease and are collected on greased plates C.W Ammen). As you stated, the gold is unchanged. Does that mean The amalgam is a mixture - not a compound.

I think you may have misunderstood what I said. I'm of the opinion that the gold is changed when in contact with mercury, evidenced by the destruction of alloyed gold jewelry. Again, that may be due to the removal of copper, although I don't know that it is.

I'm not convinced I'd say molten lead was corrosive---it's just a solvent. I suppose that's a matter of acceptable terms, for dissolving something you wish to remain un-dissolved would certainly be viewed as having corroded. At any rate, molten metals are good solvents of other metals, otherwise litharge wouldn't be nearly as useful as it is in an assay.

Harold

I would like to learn more about metals being solvents of other metals, it is very interesting do you know any literature on the subject ?

 

[Harold_V]

I would like to learn more about metals being solvents of other metals, it is very interesting do you know any literature on the subject ?

I do not---I've never been concerned enough to investigate. However, if there's anything you discover that disproves ANYTHING I've said, please bring it to my attention.

In foundry work, they often use a steel ladle to handle molten metals. The ladle is (refractory) lined, to prevent contamination of the heat in question. It's important to keep metals isolated from one another when molten. It's even important to keep pure silver isolated from pure gold. It is well documented (read Sir. T.K. Rose's The Metallurgy of Gold) to discover that silver and gold when placed in intimate contact, migrate to one another. If they can do it cold, imagine the speed at which it can happen when heated.

Harold

Edit:
It was brought to my attention that the word "heat" may not make sense. My training as a machinist is flavoring my comments. When certified material is purchased, the lot number, referenced as a "heat", is assigned to a given batch of metal, with documents certifying chemical analysis provided. So then, I really did mean heat, although in precious metal terms, that may not be appropriate. The point is that you understand that molten metals dissolve other metals, even at temperatures below their melting points.

Thanks, Nick! 8)

 

[qst42know]

I would like to learn more about metals being solvents of other metals, it is very interesting do you know any literature on the subject ?

You might try here and the links within.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_diffusion

Solder and braze joints are possible because of this blending at temperature. Solder tanks are known to become contaminated with the metals being bonded to the point of becoming ineffective. Temperature accelerates the migration of atoms but depending on the elements involved it can occur at room temperature. "Solvent" may not be the technical term but it is an easy way to visualize the effect.

 

[butcher]

After skimming through posts, (briefly no time on my hands).
This I feel temperature has something to do with what the reaction will be chemically, mixture of two metals or an alloy. Heat may play a role in how they combine, for that matter time may also, like oxygen and Iron. The reaction may only be speed up, with heat or time, and initial contact and separation may not form an alloy?

Alma gamed gold can be squeezed through chamois cloth, seems to me not to be a mixture chemically,
Gold dissolved from pins into solder does seem to be combined chemically.

I will read this post better and try to get more of gist of what this discussion is about, been so busy lately.
??? very interesting...

 

[Harold_V]

"Solvent" may not be the technical term but it is an easy way to visualize the effect.

Yes, I agree. What ever the mechanism, it's known that metals are absorbed by other metals that are in a fluid state. Example---you can "dissolve" nickel (melts @ 2647°F) in gold by simply melting the gold (less than 2,000°F) and vigorously stirring. Even though you never achieve the temperate of molten nickel, it forms an alloy (white gold).

I am not versed in assay procedures, but platinum is commonly dissolved (when present) by the lead that results from added litharge when performing an assay. Platinum melts @ 3,224°F. Indications are that the temperature for a common fire assay is at 2,000°F.

Harold

 

[Claudie]

He thinks Chicago is a country. Don't click on the link.... :|