I run a lab specialising in precious metal assays, the technique we use for
fire assay is described as classic and has been in use for well over a
hundred years and almost certainly a lot longer. I have a book somewhere
from about the 1880's describing the technique we still use, its just our
scales now that are far more accurate. We use a sample of 0.2gms weighed
back to + or - 0.00001 gms. Prospectors wouldn't need this degree of
accuracy, and refining techniques have changed little since Roman times,
except to become more environmentally friendly.
Could look up more information if you want.
Birmingham Assay Office was run by a relative ( I think a niece) of Mathew
Bolton the early industrialist ( of Bolton & Watt fame) and I believe they
have an extensive library/archive. I'm not sure how accessible this is to
the public, but it still exists.
Ian Grant
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Larisa
Sent: 30 December 1998 01:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: historical methods for gold assaying
I was wondering what methods gold miners of the 1840s and 50s used to
assay their gold.
Thank you in advance.
Larisa Somsel
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