Problems with High Nickel

D

devan

New Member
#1
We always seem to come up short on Au and PGM's on samples that go through fire assay that contain large amounts of Nickel (up to 75%, sometimes). Any tips or tricks for dealing with this type of assay?
 
fireguy

fireguy

Supermoderator
#2
We always seem to come up short on Au and PGM's on samples that go through fire assay that contain large amounts of Nickel (up to 75%, sometimes). Any tips or tricks for dealing with this type of assay?
Are you doing a lead collection? Or a nickel sulfide collection?
 
fireguy

fireguy

Supermoderator
#4
Pb collection. Base bar flux mix with some sulfur added.
I would try:
1) Larger crucible
2) More flux (same size sample)
3) Reduce more lead
4) Cupel on a larger cupel

What does your slag look like? What does the cupel look like?
 
D

devan

New Member
#5
Slag looks OK, clean separation of Pb button from slag after cooling. Cupels are fine. I have a hunch the ferro-magnetic properties of this material are drawing some of the Au and PGMs up into the slag. I am gonna try re-running the slag with an Ag inquart to see if I can recover anything...
 
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