Roasting black sand help

[donnybrook]

The black sand question. Yes roast them. If you smell sulphur you have gold sulfides associated. You need to roast them to convert the oxides (burn of the oxygen) so that you convert the gold sulfide to gold sulfate. I would not use aqua regia because other metals within the periodic table below gold will precipitate the gold back down. The gold will sit there like a dead duck.The preferred method is the chlorine leaching system (CLS)or iodine . However you will need the proper equipment Orp and pH meters to get the correct pH and Orp (Oxidation Reduction Potential ) If you go to an American site Active Mining you can buy a book explaining the CLS process. Also the Gold Refining Forum" in the US and look for posts in respect of donnybrook and those procedures. You will see the correct procedures to use. Not for the novice or back yard use. donny

[jeffu]

Hi Donny.

Good to hear from. Hows Tumba, scored any gems yet?

I am not very familiar with the CLS process. I spent many years involved with CIP/CIL processes. A lot of time at the WMC Stawell operation in Vic and a bit of time at Peak Hill. LOVE the smell of cynanide

But, I guess that CLS is equally NOT suitable for the backyarder.

I will have to get back down to Tumbarrumba soon, miss my home ground. Give you a call when we are coming.

Jeff

[danielkrupski]

So would the vinegar bath work at all or am I wasting my time? Not looking at finding heaps just that I have it and it's a rainy day might as well? Any other household products that could do the job without being a mad scientist?