Cupellation is a traditional method of primary refining of Gold and the
technique dates back a great many years. It does work with silver as well.
It is still used by some precious metal re-processors and is the best way of
assaying Gold, (can be used for silver as well).
However it is not used for Platinum or Palladium.
I'm not sure that the technique would be viable as a method of extraction in
a lead/silver mine as the lead is lost into the cupel, unless the silver
content was quite high.
However I can only speak from experience as a gold refiner & also running an
assay lab.
Hope that helps
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Michael Shaw
Sent: 30 November 2004 19:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: cupellation
If a reference is made to cupellation can it be assumed to be a reference to
a production method for obtaining silver from lead or would it also include
other similar processes for separating noble from base metals and if so what
is the limiting factor in the process.
Mike Shaw
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