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The fire assay technique for the analysis of the precious metals: its potential and its limitations.

Authors :
Gasparrini C.
Gasparrini C.

Abstract

Fire assay is the most common technique for the determination of precious metals in rock and ore samples. The technique is generally accurate, but it does have flaws. Two case studies are presented where discrepancies were found between fire assay analysis and microanalytical studies. The first concerned coarse gold in the oxidised and unoxidised portions of the same ore and the second concerned fine gold in an oxidised ore. No definitive and comprehensive answers are currently available to explain the lack of agreement between fire assay and microanalysis. It is possible that the oxidation state of the ore is sometimes associated with low fire assay values for gold.<br />Fire assay is the most common technique for the determination of precious metals in rock and ore samples. The technique is generally accurate, but it does have flaws. Two case studies are presented where discrepancies were found between fire assay analysis and microanalytical studies. The first concerned coarse gold in the oxidised and unoxidised portions of the same ore and the second concerned fine gold in an oxidised ore. No definitive and comprehensive answers are currently available to explain the lack of agreement between fire assay and microanalysis. It is possible that the oxidation state of the ore is sometimes associated with low fire assay values for gold.

Details

Database :
OAIster
Notes :
und
Publication Type :
Electronic Resource
Accession number :
edsoai.on1309202504
Document Type :
Electronic Resource