Hello:

I am a new member to the list but I am not a metalurgist.  I am a 
chemistry professor who would like to develop a laboratory 
experiment for an entry level chemistry class that would allow 
students to reduce and reclaim a metal from  a natural ore in a way 
similar to that which was done in ancient times.  I have found from 
experience (soap making, making gun powder from natural 
materials) that students are particularly fascinated with the way our 
ancestors did chemistry.  My lab sections will have from 10 -24 
students (usually but not necessarily working in pairs).   At this 
point I am trying to determine the feasibility of such an exercise so 
I have a number of very basic questions.  

Does anyone have a suggestion(s) for resource materials for this 
kind of project? 

Does anyone have experience in running such a laboratory 
exercise?  

Are there small scale furnaces that are made for or are appropriate 
for such a lab experiment?  I am assuming that special venting will 
be required due to reduction of metal sulfides.  

What metals, if any, would be best suited for such an exercise ?  
Is reducing iron out of the question due to temperature 
considerations? 

Thank-you for any answers, advice or help you may  be able to 
provide.

H. Darrell Iler
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, Virginia  22802   


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