Mike,
You don't state what period the reference comes from, nor who is writing.
However, strictly cupellation only refers to the separation of silver and gold
from argentiferous/auriferous metallic lead by oxidisation of the lead. There
are may have been earlier steps in the extraction process to produce the
silver-rich lead such a liquation. But, whatever process was used, this would
normally end up with a cupellation stage.
Of course, cupellation will not separate gold and silver. That requires a
parting process.
Michael Shaw wrote:
> 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
Chris Salter
Material Science-Based Archaeology Group,
University of Oxford
Department of Material,
Sandy Lane, Yarnton,
Oxford.
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