Overlooked Fortunes
Overlooked Fortunes
including gold and silver under certain conditions, all look specks, which your "expert" friend classified as "Biotite
just like common black, brown, red, or white iron, which Granite?" He may have been right on the granite part, but
even the best mineralogists in the country do not attempt are you sure those black specks were not cassiterite, and
A Few Examples may be found as black particles in granite? The "free" ad
Do you know that "black heavy stuff" you are walking tell you all about your rocks, but never find anything of
over every day and calling "worthless iron" may be one of value themselves has been the cause of many an "over
Or ferberite, wolframite, or hubnerite, which all look just of the 40 elements covered in DUlCE'S "QUICK QUALITA
like common black or brown iron but are all valuable ores TIVE ANALYSIS" - the new modern method of hunting,
of the element Tungsten, and may be worth $2 or more a finding and identifying of modern minerals.
I
I
DUKE/S I In our literature we make you many broad and
seemingly impossible claims and statements: We tell
you WI'! havl'! a new original system which takes all
j "Quick Qualitative Analysis ll
! the "guess·work" out of mineral identification, easy.
I Will Show You How To Find Theml , simple, quick and accurate; that it requires no higher
education to understand, no special ability to do.
,
- 0 II that it requires absolutely no previous knowledge
Third Edition Revised - Now a Complete whatever of chemistry, minerals, rocks or orcs, that it
I_
I "SHORT COURSE IN PROSPECTING" • is all so simple any average 14 year old boy can do 1t,
I AND 0
and that it can all be learned in the short space of
10 days time! We are, here and now, going to prove
"MINERAL ID:NTIFICATION" I' all these claims and statements! We will first give a
brief synopsis of our system as a whole, then show
how all these things are quickly and accurately
, For whom these instructions are lDtended.
I
For Prospectors, Mine Owners, Rockhounds, or the Amateurs
or Greenhorns who are just starting out In the business. or
anyone interested in minerals either as a business or hobby.
I brought about.
A Brief Synopsis
i Covers 40 of the most important mineral elements, including Basic Principles: The basic principles of our new
,= the rarer and less known, and the quick and accurate identi- I system may be explained in a few words: In this
we just reverse the old method of identifying miner·
fying of the 300 or more rocks in which they may occur.
als; we deal with the identifying of the ELl!:MENTS
i C~:R::im::E an:o14 F~::~::: c:E:::~SI direct. not each individual rock or ore as was neces
sary by the old method of identifying minerals by
their physical properties. In this we will find: First
! Aluminum
Antimony
Arsenic
Bismuth
Cadmium
Copper
Didymium
Fluorine
Germanium
Gold
Mercury
Nickel
Osmium
Palladium
Sulphur
Molybdenum Tantalum
Tellurium'
Thallium
Tin
i
that there are some 5.000 known named and classified
rocks in the world. Second, that there are just 92
elements in the world from which everything in the
world is made!
Results: As there are but 92 elements in the world
Carbon Iridium Platinum Titanium
I
----{o----
price-Complete Two Volume Course-$f..dIDPostpCJ:id
----;0
elements for which we have a simpie key or test
which has been tried and proven any average 14 year
old boy can make, and all with but a small inexpen·
I'
sive "Field Test Kit" which even the poorest can af·
ford to buy. and thus make all tests right in the field,
either on the rocks as picked up in the hills, or check·
ing your own mine or prospect hole! We will now
.....................
a _ _.........
'_ _a____
' ......____
• •__.....
' __
a__•__.......__
u ••"'.__.......__
o__... '.t
_ ...........____......__ !. show how all these things are quickly and accurately
brought about.
The 40 IIKe.ys" to the Treasure Vaults of Nature!
USING TIlE "KEYS"! "QUICK QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS"
Note: We will now show how, by using the proper "keys," -Method of Procedure-
we bring about the chal'acteristk colors of the individual Test No.1: For Vanadium, Manganese, Sulphur (Sl1
elements, and thus their identification. phides), and the Carbonates.
1. Place powdered mineral equal to 2 grains of rice in a
EXAMPLE: Vanadium is an element: for the key of its small porcelain evaporating dish.
identification, proceed as follows: 2. Add 4 or 5 drops of cold hydrochloric acid.
1. Place a little Vanadium, or any rock or ore containing BESULTS
Vanadium, in a porcelain dish or test tube. A: If Vanadium (any ore) the acid will turn red.
2. Add a few drops of cold hydrochloric acid. B: If Manganese (any black ore) the acid will turn black.
C: If a Carbonate (any rock) the acid will effervesce, or
Results: The element Vanadium will cause the acid to bubble or "fizz."
D: If a Sulphide (any ore) the odor of sulphur, somewhat
turn Red! As no other element but Vanadium will give this resembling rotton eggs, will be detected.
same reaction (red color, under these same conditions (cold Note: If there is, or is not, a reaction above, use same dish
hydrochloric acid), we have the key to its identification! and powdered mineral for next ., test No.2.
Final Results: If we were to take any unknown rock or Test No.2: For Molybdenum Lead or Molybdenum Oxide.
ore, picked up anywhere in the world, proceeded as above 1. Use same dish and powdered mineral from Test No.1.
and got a red color, we would know the element Vanadium 2. Add 2cc (40 drops) more hydrochloric acid.
was in that rock or ore, regardless of what it looked like, or 3. Hold over lamp flame and boil; while boiling watch for
whether we had ever seen a Vanadium ore or not, and thus a blue stain on dish at top of acid.
we no longer have to know whut any Vanadium rock or ore Besults: A blue stain on dish is a positive test for Molyb·
may look like! And so it is with all the other elements-by denum Lead or Molybdenum Oxide (we catch Molybdenum
using the proper keys, as given in Duke's "Quick Qualitative sulphide in test 9). If high grade a good blue on dish; if fall'
Analysis." grade a blue ring only: if real low grade may be but small
blUe specks on dish; watch closely.
Old Method: By the old method, you took your rock or
ore, examined it with a magnifying glass, then proceeded to Note: If there is, or is not, a rpaction above, use same
try to figure out by its physical properties, such as color. dish and powdered mineral for., next test No.3.
specific gravity, hardness, etc., which one of the 5,000 known
and clasified rocks it resembled in order to know what Test No. 3: For Tellurium or Tungsten (any ores).
element or elements to test or have it assayed for. If you 1. Use same dish and powdered mineral from Test No.2,
"guessed" it might be a Vanadium ore, you then proceeded and proceed as follows:
to test or have it assayed for Vanadium; if no Vanadium, you
then proceeded to "guess" and test or have it assayed for And so we continue with each additional test until we
something else. Results: if it did not contain what you have completed our analysis for all the 40 elements; identify
ing each when we come to their particular test.
"guessed" it might, you threw it away as "worthless," and
so maybe tossed away a fortune--simply because you did not
"guess" the right thing!
- '"
"MASTER TESTS"
Our System: By our system, we do no "guessing"! In our
new copyrighted "Method of Procedure" in VolUme Two, the While we cover 40 elements, by following our "Method of
tests are all arranged in a systematic order by which we Procedure" we do not have 40 separate tests to make to
identify each of the 40 elements-when we come to their complete our analysis; we have some, what we call "Master
parUcular test! This is the Secret of Success with our system Tests" by which we identify several elements at one time.
-not found in any other book ever published! It is this For example: We have one "master test" (Test 5) by which
"Method of Procedure" which dozens of men paid $25 to learn we identify 9 most important elements by one simple opera
under our personal instructions in our laboratory and school, tion! This one test alone is worth $25 to any prospector,
mine owner, or anyone interested in minerals.
which you now get in Volume Two!
Procedure: In this you just simply take your rock or ore,
-'"
"Master Test" No.5: By whiCh we identify the following
(any rock or ore regardless of what it may look like), and 9 elements: Nickel, Lead, Bismuth, Thallium, Cobalt, Tellu
powder up a little of it as fine as possible. You then start rium, Molybdenum, Arsenic and Silver. Proceed as follows.
right in at Test No. 1 in the "Method of Procedure," then 1. Place powdered mineral (any rock) equal to one navy
proceed to make each additional test just as given until you bean in a clean test tu be.
have completed your analysis for all the 40 elements covered 2. Add 2cc (40 drops) of strong nitric acid.
there. 3. Hold over lamp flame and boil for about 3 minutes.
4. Add 3cc (60 drops) plain water; heat to boiling.
Results: In Test No. 1 you identify the two elements Va·
nadium and Manganese (any ores), and also catch the Sul Note: If anyone or all of the above 9 elements are pre
phides and Carbonates. In Test 2 you identify Molybdenum sent in any rock or ore you are testing they will now be
Lead and Molybdenum oxide (any ores). In Test 3 you dissolved in this solution with the following results.
identify Tellurium and Tungsten (any ores). In Test 4 you
identify Tin (any ore), And so you continue until you have Results No. I: We now take one drop of this solution and
completed your analysis for all the 40 elements! test for Nickel. 2 drops and test for Lead, Bismuth, and
Thallium. 10 drops and test for Cobalt, Tellurium, Molyb-
Final Besults: If any of the 40 elements covered there are ednum Sulphide, and Arsenic. We now take the remainder of
present in your rock or ore, you will find and identify them the solution and test for Silver. And thus we complete our
when you come to their particular test-regardless of what analysis for all 9 elements; if any are present in ANY rock
your rock or ore may look like, or whether you know anything you will find and identify them!
whatever about minerals or ores or not!
Besults No.2: The complete operation for identifying all
Semi-quantitative: These tests are all semi-quantitative, 9 elements requires less than 10 minutes time, and thus can
the brighter the color the more of the element present, so we make all tests right in the field, either on your rocks as
know instantly and accurately if Poor, Fair, or Good, before picked up in the hills, or in the checking of mineralized
paying out money for quantitative assays! zones in your mine or prospect hole, and thus, not only find
all 9 elements if present, but also where your best values al'l
How we do it: \Ve will give a few examples from our and thus the best place to do your digging or developmer.
"Method of Procedure": showing how plainly the tests are work.
written: how easy they are to understand and follow: why Final Besults: By following our new revised "Method of
any average 14 year old boy can do it, and why no previous Procedure," we now complete our analysis for all the 40
knowledge of chemistry required: as all chemicals are in elements - in 16 Simple tests or operations I No more
labeled bottles, you simply take quantities as given, and fol "guessing" - no more paying out good money for "blank"
low the instructions for using. assays - and no more "overlooked fortunes"!
c; J. () d e '7'\ f /Y'tJ· <-/ tJ :3 U
!l1111111111111111111111I1I11I1~11 hili11111111111111111111IIIII(1111111111111111111111111111 rilllIlllIlIIlIlIIlIl"llIlIIlllIllIIlIIlIIllIllIIlIIlI~
--- ---
-
§ = Duke's §=
-;- --
~~Short Course inProspecting" ~
§
-= AND -§=
§ ~~ Mineral Identification" §
§ *Third Edition - Revised* §
=
§
(Copyrighted 1957)
by RAYMOND B. MAULSBY
::
~
= $25 Course - Now All For Only $5! =
This is not 'ust another book of minerals or merely a book of tests. but is a new
original SYSTEM in prospecting for. h unting and findi ng of 40 of the most im·
portant elements and the q uick and accurate identification of the 300 or m ore min·
erals. rocks or ores in which they m ay be found. Just as taught each winter since
1943 in our "Short Course in Prospecting and Mineral Identification" under our
personal instruction in our laboratory. for which we charge a tuition fee of 525.
You now get the same course in lesson form for home study - all for only 55.
-- VOLUME ON E - PART ON E
"Systematic Prospecting and Mineral Identification"
--- In this part we take up the prospecting end of the b usiness. In the hunting and
finding of minerals. and the basic principals of Mineral Identification: divided up
[ - Into Five easy to u nderstand and easy to follow lessons for home study purposes.
.
=
-- Lesson One : ''The MineraJ Situation"
Your opportunities in the newer and rarer minerals of today: what they are: why
overlooked in the past - and how you can start findinq and cashing in on them.
-- Lesson Two: "Systematic Prospecting"
- Modern prospecting: where to go and what to do when you get there: the 5
geological formations in which a ll minerals are found. and how to Identify them. --
~ .
~
THINK ABOUT!
If you knew of a farmer who had 40 acres of good fertile ground,
who went to the time, trouble and expense, to plow and plant that
40 acres, then let 30 or more acres grow up in weeds for lack of
cultivation - because he did not know a cornstalk from a thistle,
then in the fall harvested but six, eight or ten acres
of his crop,
what would you think of him as a farmer; would you say he was indo
lent, Shiftless, lazy - or just plain nuts? But if you are the av
erage prospector or small mine owner, maybe you better not express
your opinion for a few minutes - for that may be just what you are
doing in your MINERAL FIELD today! So just read it over again then
let it sink in for awhile, we will come back to it again in just a
few minutes and find out - just where YOU come in the picture!
-*
PROSPECTORS - OID AND NEW
A few years ago, literally speaking, there were but a half-dozen
or so important mineral elements to look for - Gold, Silver, Copper,
Lead, and Zinc, were the "Big Five"! It all started with the Gold
Rush of the 'Forty-Niners; many of those who got in on the ground
floor in virgin territory made a fortune! Thousands of others who
heard of the fabulous fortunes being made over-night in that magic
stuff called Gold rushed to,join them until the prospectors swarm
ing over the mountainsides looked like ants on an ant-hill, and
thus, in time, all the big surface "gold bonanzas" were found!
Those who came too late for the big surface strikes, started dig
ging thousands of holes in the hillsides; all "kidding" themselves
that just over the next hill, or the next three feet in that hole,
they were going to find the IlMother Lode" - where they could cut
the yellow stuff out with a hatchet! While a few made the big sur
face strikes, for each one who hit the golden jack-pot there were
many thousands of others who, all they had to show for their years
of efforts was - just a "worthless" hole in the hillsidel
"'bat is a "worthless" hole? A so-called "worthless" hole does
not necessarily mean one containing nothing of value, but is sim
ply one in which the digger did not find the particular thing for
which he was seeking; and all the gold hunter knew about, or was
interested in, or was seeking for - was Gold!
Then came the "silver Boom"! History repeats itself; many of
those who got in on the ground fioor in virgin territory made a
fortune; many of those fortunes were made from the old "worthless"
and abandoned prospect holes and mine dumps of the gold hunters;
many of these became the big "Silver Bonanzas ll of the 'Eighties
and 'Nineties! All la~nng there where they were abandoned by the
gold hunters, either through the lack of knowledge of their iden
tification, or passed up in their "pipe-dream' search for greater
riches - just as the average prospector is doing today; passing
u~ sure financial independence - for a million-dollar !lDr~'!
(2 - Part One)
'lum. came Copper, l.ead, a.s:td Ihet Bt.sto17 repeats itself. &It l '
al-78 has aad eJ.-78 wills JUaV' ot those who got. ill _ the ground
tloor in rlrgin territory ade a fortune, maD7 ot thoae tortanea
were made froa the old Aworthless" abandoned prospect holes &ad
mine dumps of the gold and silver hunters; cast aside or paased up
in the hiUs, either due to the lack of knowlqe of their identi
fication, or because they bad no .,.lue at the tille, or aa in. l'IBD)"
cases, due to the wild dreaa of easier and quicker fortunes!
1)0 not misunderstand us; we are not tr;v1ng to teU you tbat aU
the Big Five have been tound, and that there are no more 1;.0 look
for; those are neither the tacts nor our intentions. Man.;v ot the
old timers will teU ;vou, "There is more gold in them tbar hills
t han. has ever been discover.ed" 1 'ftlat is, no doubt true; but ;VOU
will note we state and are dealing with "surface discoveries", or
in the reach ot the poor prospector or smaU mine owner with but
limited capital, and so must depend, more or less, upon surtace
outcrops tor their discoveries. Here are the records.
The records show that 60 percent ot all the big surtac~ deposits
discovered in the past 100 ;vears were tound in. the 30 ;vears between
1850 and 1880; 30 percent in. the next 30 years between 1880 and 1910
and onlY 10 percent in. the past 30 years between 1910 and 1940J
Also, that in the last 30 years only one Big Fiver in 7,500 ,ever
hits a real paying mine! 'nlat is the mining situation ot the past
and up to the present time.
-*
Bl1r A NEW DAY HAS DAWNEDl
Yes, a new day has dawned tor the prospector and the small mine
owner; a da;v ot greater opportunities and greater possibillties
than ever existed in the boom da;vs ot the Hig Five! By this we do
not mean, more chances -to make greater tortunes; but we do mean
greater chances to make more smaller tortunes - to increase YOUR
chances tor success in the prospecting and mining business!
What did you say about the farmer at the beginning of thisles
son? But it you are the average prospector or small mine owner,
that may be an embarrassing question - let's put it this ....1':
How l'Jl&nT acres are YOU cultivating and harvesting the crop from
in this 40 acre MINERAL FIEID OF YOURS? How many of these 40 min
eral elements are YOU looking for? How III2.IlT would XOU be aDle to
recognize and PROVE YOU WERE RIGHT if you found them in your mine,
prospect hole,. or in the hills - are there as many as 101
What about the other 30? Are they just "overlooked fortunes" as
far as you are concerned - just growing up in weeds because you do
not know a cornstalk from a thistle in your mineral field? Just
laying there waiting for some Umodern"pr08pector to come along
with the proper knowledge to find their hidden values and maybe
•
make a fortune - a fortune whiCh could have and should have been
yours - IF you had just spent a LITTLE TIME in gaining the neces
sary knowledge to find and identity them.! The question now is
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? Your success a~ a prospector
of tomorrow will depend upon your answer, and what you DO TOOA!!
1. Do you know that Gold, Silver and the Platinum Minerals, and
in rare cases, but seldom in commercial quantities, Iron, Copper,
Bismuth, An timony, and: Mercury, are practically the only ones of
the 92 elements which ever occur in the metallic state in nature?
You never see any metallic Lead, TUngsten, IIolybdenum, Rickel, Tin,
etc., in any rock or ore with a magnifying glass, and thus the only
way to find their hidden values is by the use of chemicals or other
means as given in Volume Two of these instructions •
• 2. Do you know that many valuable ores of Rickel, Cobalt, Bismuth,
Vanadium, Uranium, Titanium, and many others, including Gold and
Silver, may look just like cOllmon country rock - showing no mineral
ization whatever?
Or that green rock, which you "guessed" was too low grade Copper
to work - 80 passed it up; but did you "guess" it might be Garnier
ite or Zarattte, both green ores of Nickel and worth -Tbe $100 to
$200 or more per ton?
Or what about those white or gray particles which stuck in your
gold pan, which you threw away cussing your "luck" when you found
they were not silver worth 70t an omce; but are TOU sure they were
not Platinum, 'Palladium, Iridium, or other minerals of the platinum
group worth $24 to $125 or more per punce? Many a prospector has
starved out on the Big Five trail looking for 701. an ounce silver,
while throwing away $70 or more an ounce platinum mineralsl '!he
big question is - are you SURE you are not doing the same thing?
Or that rock with the silver-white specks which you panned for
gold without success and called "just more white iron", but are you
sure those silvery-white specks were not Tellurium? It it was it
may be one of the richest of all gold or silver ores, and may con
tain $1,000 or $10,000 or more per ton in gold or silver - and yet
never see a color in a gold pan! And so you throw it away and then
start digging another "worthless" holet That is just what prof!pec
tors have been doing for the past 100 years, and so their gold and
silver tellurides are still laying there upon their abandoned pros
pect holes and mine dumps, waiting for some "teste~1 to come along
with the prop~r knowledge to find their hidden values - and maybe
discover another Cripple Creek! Maybe you!
SYSTBJlATIC
-*-
PROSPECTING
There 18 an old and true saying, "If you are looking for gold,
go where gold has been found" J This will also apply' to most of the
others of the Big Five; but in this remember, we will have to take
our chances pretty much on "skimmed mil~ from which others have
taken the "cre&Bf'; which accounts for the fact that only' one Big
Fiver in 7,500 bas found a paying mine in the past 30 years!
But with most of the newer and rarer minerals covered in these
instructions the picture is much different - for the man who knows
how to find and identify them, and thus the man who gets in on the
ground floor in this virgin field has a chance to do BOme "cream
skimming" himself just as the old timers did with the "Big Five"!
With 35 or 40 elements and their some 300 or more rocks or ores in
which they may occur to look for, some of them may be found most
anywhere, and thus, the district ane mile from your home or camp
may be as good or better than that "dreamland" 100 miles away!
The Laboratory: First get all your test equipment, then start in
and practice up on your "Known Samples" as explained under "Quick
)lethod of Learning", and thus be prepared to make a complete qua
litative analysis on all the rocks picked up in the field.
Field Work: For this we should have all the following equipment:
A prospector's pick. A pack sack. 6 or more sample sacks, say six
by ten inches made of strong canvas. A few tobacco sacks or cans
for dirt, clay, or fragile materials. A roll of comman white adhe
sive tape. A note book and an indelible pencil. And a magnifying
glass, which, by our system, may best be left at home! We are now
ready to start out and do some real systematic prospecting!
(8 - Part (he)
IHE8.'K TO GO - AID WHAT TO DO
nRST. It TOU are a prospector who bas been at the business
for ID1' length ot tiae, .1u:mp 111 on that rockp11e of ·oTer1ooked
fortunes" behind your houe, or those few or lIl8n7 "peta r.oclas 701l
haTe been sarlns as lOu "just knawR the;r contain "somethingi' ot
Ta1ue but do not know jut whatJ M9.)'be you will find something
of far more value than what you picked them up for - prOTiC'1iD8
you can remember just where you got themJ That is the objeot. of
the adhesiTe tape, note-book and indelible penCil, which we w1l.l
come to just a little later on.
FORMATIONS: While each element has its most favorable rock for
mation, it does not mean that it is always found in that formation,
or never found in any: other. Example: Quartz is often referred to
as the "mother rock of gold", simply meaning quartz is the most fa
vorable rock formation; however all quartz does not carry gold, and
it has been found in practically all other rock formations. So in
our work we pay little attention to rock formations, but go entirely
on Geological Formations. There are just 5 geological formations in
which all metallic as well as non-metallic minerals are found.
(9 - Part (De)
GEOIOOICAL FORllATI0R8 - WIIBRI TO lOOl
While there are soae 50 or more rock to ratione in which miner
als -1 occur, such as, Quarts, Porptv'rT, KonSon1te, LiJlestonea,
etc., there are on17 5 geological for.ations to look tor: Veins,
Dikes, Outcrops, Ledges, Deposits. All minerals, either metallic
or non-llletallic will be found in one of these! While some of these
are cloeel3' related, they are all different for our purpose. All
of these will be explained below; but we will first give the "key"
for their identification: All of theae but deposits are where we
find a formation between two other formations; or we might say,
like a piece of meat between two pieces of bread - it is the meat
we are after! So the first and main thing is to look for a change
in the general formation of the ground. lote: the following IlAT
not be all technically correct, but will do for our purpose.
1. VEIlS: When the old earth cooled, or other causes, cracks
were formed; at a later date the heat, steam, and pressure from
below forced other materials up through and thus filling these
cracks; in many cases carrying valuable metallic elements forced
up from below, in which case the vein matter in the cracks will
be different in character than the wall rock on either side, and
thus easil3' identified if exposed on the surface, as given below.
2. OUTCROPS: This is the surface or exposed part of a vein or
deposit, and the main thing to watch for in prospecting, and as
stated above is easily seen and identified as it will be differ
~nt than the wall rock on either side.
3 • .L!DGm: This is a flat bodT known as a "blanket formation"
found between two different formations; usuallT found on hillsides
or on the walls of canyons. IIanr minerals occur in this kind of
fonation. Or what maT be mistaken for a flat body may be the
exposed part of an incline-vein, and so should be investigated.
4. DIKES: These are also outcrops, usually in a vertical posi
tion; fomed IlUch the same as veins, but usuallT wider and extend
80me distance above the ground. However, th87 differ from veins
due to the fact that the mineral values are usuall;y found on one
side or the other in contact with the wall rock, and thus is the
best place to take your samples rather than on top or center. One
of the most important of these are the nPegmatite Dikes", as ex
plained in our book "Beryllium and the Rarer Minerals"; these con
tain a greater variety of minerals than anr other one formation.
In fact, most all metallic as well as Man7 of the non-metallic
minerals maT be found in Pegmatite, and thus one of the most im
portant of all formations to watch out for ..
5. DEPCl)ITS: These maT be in the fonn of Placer, such as gold;
or maT be in solid rock, such as the great copper deposits of Utah,
Arizona and Wew Mexico. 10 doubt manr of these newer and rarer min
erals will be so found when prospectors leam how to identifT them.
6. FLOAT: '!his maT also be included to watch for as .ma.ny of the
largest mines were so discovered. Here is the idea: It we are
walking over say a mountain side where the formation is all the
same, then come upon an odd looking rock which is entirely differ
ent, it may be a piece broken off a vein or dike, or from a deposit,
which has rolled down from the same. In which case TaU go up the
hill to see if TaU can find where it came from. The above are the
places in Which all minerals have been and will be found..!
(10 - Part ene)
PROCEDURE IN SYSTEMATIC PROSPECTING
Actinium - - Ac.
-*
Helium - - - - - He. Radium - - - Ra.
Alaba.mine - Ab. Holmium - - - - Ho. Radon - - - Rn.
Aluminum - - AI. Hydrogen - - - - H. Rhenium - - Re.
Antimony - - Sb. Illinium - - - - ll. Rhodium - - Rh.
Argon - - - A. Indium - - - - - In. Rubidium - - Rb.
Arsenic - - As. Iodine - - - - - I. Ruthenium - Ru.
Barium. - - - .I:::la. Iridium - - - - Ir. Samarium - - Sa.
Beryllium. - Be. Iron (Ferrum) - Fe. Scandium - - Sc.
Bismuth - - Bi. Krypton - - - - Kr. Selenium - See
Boron - - - B. lanthanum - - - La. Silicon - - Si.
Bromine - - Br. Isad - - - - - - Pb. Silver - - - Ag.
Cadmium - - Cd. Lithium - - - - Li. Sodium - - - Ia.
Calcium - - Ca. Iutec:tum - - - - Lu. Strontium - Sr.
Carbon - - - C. IBgnesium - - - JIg. Sulphur - - S.
Cerium - - - Ce. Manganese - - - :un. Tantalum - - Ta.
Cesium. - - - Cs. Jlasurlum - - - - JIa. Tellurium - Te.
Chlorine - - C1. Mercury - - - - Hg. Terbium - - Tb.
Chromium - - Cr. Molybdenum - - - JIo. Thallium - - Tl.
Cobalt - - - Co. Neodymium - - - Nd. Thorium - - Th.
Columbium - Cb. Neon - - - - - - Ne. Thulium - - TIl.
(Niobium - Nb) Nickel - - - - - Ni. Tin - - - - Sn.
Copper - - - Cu. Nitrogen - - - - N. Titanium - - Ti.
Dysprosium - Dy. Osmium - - - - - Os. Tungsten - - w.
Erbium - - - Er. ~gen - - - - - o. Uranium - - U.
J!.Uropium - - Eu. Palladium - - - Pd. Vanadium - - v.
Fluorine - - F. Phosphorous - - P. Virginium - Vi.
Gadolinium - Gd. Platinum - - - Pt. Xenon - - - Xe.
Gallium - - Ga. Polonium - - - - Po. Ytterbium - Th.
Germanium - Ge. Potassium - - - K. Yttrium - - Y.
Gold (Aurum) Au. Praseodymium - - Pr. Zinc - - - - Zn.
Hafnium - - Ht. Protoactinium - Pa. Zirconium - Zr.
-*
IMPORTANT: Anyone studying minerals should first learn all the
elements by name and their symbols; this will take but an eve
ning or two study and will be found valuable in all mineralogy.
-*
FINAL RESULTS - AND THE PROOF
1. Observing the simplicity in examples 1 and 2 on previous page
for the elements Vanadium and Tungsten, you can see why' we can say,
"So simple any average 14 year old boy can do the work" 1 Also why
we need not know anything whatever about what any certain minersl,
rock or ore may look like. Also why it requires no higher education
to understand, or special ability to do the work.
2. Also why no previous knowledge of chemistry is required; all
acids and chemicals are in labeled bottles, so if our instructions
say "use 20 drops of Hydrochloric Acid", you simply take 20 drops
from the bottle labeled Hydrochloric Acid. And so on.
3. Now the most seemingly impossible of all that - "learning in
10 days tim~1 business. As we cover but 39 elements in these in
structions we have but 39 "keys" or tests to learn, and in noting
examples one and two above and their simplicity, we think you will
admit that anyone who could not learn 39 of these in 10 days time
would be pretty dumb indeedl However, you do not have to LEARN any
of them; with Part Two before you, you just simply start following
the instructions and making the tests the first day you get the in
structions and your test equipmentl In the following lessons we
will teach you everything you need to know abou~ chemistry, and
your few pieces of test equipment and how to use them - and thus
be prepared to make a complete qualitative analysis on any unknown
rock or ore you may pick up in the hills or ANYWHERE!
(19 - Part One)
LESSON FOUR
TEST
- * - AND ITS
~UIPMENT USE
-*
General Information
NOTE: In this and the following pages we will cover everything
you need to know about chemistry, your test equipment and its use.
Read this over carefully before buying your chemicals or equipment,
or preparing your reagent solutions as given on following pages.
1. QUANTITIES: The quantities given under "Dry Reagents and Pow
ders" on following page are, in most all cases, not the quantities
actually needed, but the smallest quantities one can buy. Example:
1 ounce of Cobalt Nitrate Crystals may make 5 gallons of solution;
as this is used but seldom, and then only one drop per test, this
would last a dozen prospectors for a number of years; but as one
ounce is the smallest amount one can usually buy, it is so listed.
The same applies to many of the other chemicals as listed.
2. REAGENT: This means any material used in testing to bring or
help to bring about a chemical or other reaction.
3. REACTION: This means simply a color or other effect brought
about by the use of chemicals or other means.
4. SOLUTION: This is where we dissolve chemicals or any other
material in water, acid, or other liquids.
5. SATURATED SOLUTION: This is one in which the liquid will dis
solve no more of the material. Most home-made solutions, as given
later on call for a saturated solution; so if quantities given in
the instructions do not all dissolve after much shaking, ok.
6. HANDLING SOLUTIONS: The handiest method is to use conunon med
icine droppers, which may be obtained at most any drugstore.
7. CC: This is the abbreviation for Cubic Centimeter, a given
quantity used in measuring liquids in chemistry; but as this means
nothing to the average prospector, let" us say - 20 drops with a
medicine dropper equals approximately 1 cc, or near enough.
8. CC SCALE: Take small board, say 1"x2"x6", tack thin strip of
wood upright on one end as high as test tube. Now take test tube,
place against upright; add 20 drops of water and draw a line at
water level, mark 1 cc. Add 20 more drops and mark 2 cc; and so
continue to near top of tube. Results: Now if a test calls for
2 cc of acid, place tube against measure and fill to the 2 cc line.
9. USING DROPPERS: (he should have a separate dropper for Nitric
Acid, Ammonia, Dimethylglyoxime, and Cacothelin solutions, and use
for nothing else. The rest not so particular if rinsed out well
eaeh time. Keep glass of water handy for this purpose.
10. C.P.: This means Chemicaliy Pure. Always use C.P. chemicals
and acids if possible to get; but USP or ACS will usually do.
11. ACIDS: All strongs acids such as Hydrochloric, Sulphuric and
Nitric should be kept in glass stoppered bottles; original contain
ers will do, but bestto have one ounce bottles for handy use.
•
12. OTHERS: Other liquids, containing no strong acids, may be
kept in common cork, or better, in screw-cap bottles.
13. STABILITY: Most reagent solutions will deteriorate in time,
some quite soon, some will last for months, so always best to mix
in smaller quantities, as given later. Best to have one ounce bot
tles for handy use, then fill but 1/2 full, then renew more often.
(20 - Part <ite)
14. HANDUNG ACIDS: Mlny people are afraid of acids and hesitate
to take up this work for this reason. Acids, like a gun, are not
dangerous if properly handled with proper precaution; in our some
16 years of experience we have never had a serious burn on hands,
face, or in the eye - it is simply a question of being careful!
15. CAUTION: Always keep mouth of test tubes pointed away from
face in adding an acid to a mineral, a mineral to an acid, or in
boiling solutions. Never add Ammonia to a hot solution!
16. GLASSES: It is best to always wear a cheap pair of glasses
in -i;.esting, and thus protect the eyes in case acid IIpOpS", or from
hot particles when heating materials on charcoal.
17. HOLDER: In handling acids in test tubes in boiling over the
lamp flame, one should always use a holder as explained later on
under "Home-Made Test Eq uipment n •
18. TEST TUBES: These are used for boiling solutions over lamp
flame. 1/2" x 4" best size for our use. In heating it is best to
pass tube baek and forth through lamp flame until starts to boil,
rather than holding steadily in 1'lame. Where "slow heatingll is
called for, hold tube or dish higher above or to one side of the
lamp flame, so solution just keeps boiling.
19. EFFERVESCENCE: This is a boiling or "fizzing" action which
takes place when acids are added to some materials, such as carbon
ates; in this case add minerals slowly to acid, or vice versa, then
heat very slowly until fizzing stops or tube will boil over.
20. EVAPORATING DISHES: These are small porcelain dishes used
for boiling or evaporating solutions; No. 000 best size for our
purpose. These are handier to use, easier to clean, and in most
caseE can make test quicker than in test tubes, as given later.
21. CLEANING: Tie a rag a.round a small stick to use as a swab
i for cleaning test tubes, then rinse well. To remove stains from
dishes, use a little common kitchen scouring powder.
••
22. IMPORTANT: Be sure everything is clean before starting. any
tests; dishes, test tubes, charcoal, platinum wire, etc. Especially
if a reaction was obtained in a previous test; if no reaction, they
need not be so particular. If a reaction is obtained in any test,
then clean everything thoroughly, then repeat test to make sure it
was not "salted" or due to a previous test.
23. LAMP: It is always best to keep lamp sitting in a saucer in
making tests, then if tube should break the saucer will catch the
acid, and thus keep from your table or work bench.
24. fILTER PAPERS: Used in filtering solutions. Get round 311
or smaller, usually 100 in package. To use in glass funnel: fold
twice in center, this makes 1 thickness on one side, 3 on other.
25. IISPOT PAPER": This is filter paper cut in say 1" squares,
or cut 3" paper twice in center making 4 pieces. To use for spot
• test it is best to place paper on a piece of clean glass.
26. POWDERED MINERALS: Usually takes but very small quantity
for making tests, as explained later. For use we give quantities
which are generally understood, such as, a grain of rice, size of
a navy bean for approximate amounts; more or less is immaterial.
27. WHERE TO BUY: All acids and liquids (which cannot be sent
••
by mail) can usually be obtained at most any drugstore. For che~
icals and test equipment, see classified section in Popular Mechan
ics or like publications for addresses of chemical houses.
(21.- Part One)
TEST EQUIPMENT
-*
(laboratory Supplies)
1 Alcohol Lamp with wick; small 2 ounce best size for our use.
1 Blowpipe; just common plain brass is as good as any.
1 Platinum Wire, with glass holder; for making bead tests.
1 Porcelain Mortar and Pestle; for powdering up fusions.
1 Small Glass Funnel; small 2" top for filtering solutions.
1 Package 100 Filter Papers; round 3" or smaller best size.
1 Pair Tweezers; for handling tin or small objects.
2 Charcoal Blocks (sticks) for making fusions and color tests.
2 Small Porcelain (evaporating) dishes; #000 best size.
6 Test Tubes for chemical tests; 1/2" by 4" the best size.
1 One ounce glass stoppered bottle for Hydrochloric Acid.
1 One ounce glass stoppered bottle for Nitric Acid.
1 One ounce glass stoppered bottle for Sulphuric Acid.
1 One ounce screw-cap bottle for Dimethylglyoxime solution.
1 One ounce screw-cap bottle for cacothelin solution.
1 CI1e ounce screw-cap bottle for Strong Ammonia.
1 One ounce screw-cap bottle for Silver Nitrate solution.
1 One ounce screw-cap bottle for Cobalt Nitrate solution.
1 One ounce screw-cap bottle for Sodium Sulfide solution.
1 CI1e ounce screw-cap bottle for prepared "Charcoal Flux".
NOTE: See "Additional Equipment lIade at Home" on page 25.
CHEMICALS
-*
AND REAGENTS
* - cannot be sent by mail)
(Read;y Mixed Acids and Liquids
1 Pound .tlydrochloric Acid (Cp). 1 Ounce Strong Ammonia.
;'1
••••••
..
1 Pint Pure Distilled Water to prepare Reagent Solutions.
*
Duke's
by RAYMOND H. MAULSBY
--~ 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~-
PART TWO
- ~<
QUICK QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
And
-*
General Information
i~
REACTIONS * TO
WATCH FOR
(Both With and Without Flux)
A: SUBLIMATE: (Coating). If heavy or light; color; if near
or distant from assay; color while hot; color when cold.
B: VOLATrtITY: If easy, fairly easy, or non-volatile; first
in Oxidizing Flame; then try Reducing Flame.
C: FLAME COLORS: Note if any change given off by the assay
itself; or sublimate if tOUched with the Reducing Flame.
D: Touch sublimate with R.F. (for instant only); note if a
change in color, or colored flame; if so, what.
E: ODORS: Note if any; example: garlic-like odor indicates
AS. A radish-like odor indicates Selenium, etc.
F: SMOKE OR FUMES: Example: heavy white smoke indicates Sb.
Fumes smart the eyes (good test) indicates Os. etc.
G: ASSAY: Note if any chs.nge in color or apgearanCej if so,
what? Inspect hot; inspect cold.
H: FUSIBIUTY: (No FlUX): If easy, fairly easy, or hard to
fuse, or infusible. Important in testing for Aluminum or
Magnesium with Cobalt Nitrate; See Test 38 Part Three.
I: GLOBULES: Note if any small metallic beads; if so, their
color, hot and cold.
J: SECTIUTY: If globules are easy, fa.irly easy, or hard to
cut with knife. (Such as Pb. Ag. Sn. Bi. etc.).
K: MALLEABIUTY: If globules will flatten, or are brittle.
L: MAGNETISM: Test powder with magnet before heating; then
after heating in R.F. Test mass after fusing with flux.
"**
NOTE: AFTER FUSING WITH FUJX, SAVE FUSION FOR TEST No. 13.
(6 - Part Two)
REACTIONS ON CHARCOAL
*
NOTE: First 7 elements are positive; need no confirming.
A: White light coat, distant assay. Very volatile.
Garlic-like odor. (Odor is most positive test) - - As.
B: White heavy coat, near assay, bluish out-border.
Volatile. ~~ite smoke - continues after heating - Sb.
C: Hed or brown coat with bright blue border - Cd.
D: Steel-gray coating, red outer-border. Volatile.
If coa~ touched with R.F. an azure-blue flame; a
peculiar radish-like odor; odor is positive test - See
E: Sharp bromine-like odor; fumes smart the eyes - - Os.
F: First, pure white coat near assay, if more heat
moves further out, assumes greenish to brownish or
lemon color; if examined with lense coat presents
a glazed or enamel-like surface. Small milk-white
globules scattered on charcoal near the assay - - Ge.
G: A very sharp pungent suffocating odor - - - - - - - S.
*
NOTE: F0llowing are indicative; should be confirmed.
H: Yellow coating near assay; non-volatile. Small
metallic beads on assay; malleable, easy cut - - Ph.
I: Y ellow coat near assay; non-volatile. May be small
metallic heads on assay; harder to cut than lead - Bi.
(Confirm either Lead or Hismuth by Test No. 25)
J: A slight white coat and an INTENSE green flame - - Tl.
(Confirm Thallium by Test No.7)
K: Heavy white coat, blue out-border with yellowish
cast, hlack band between; all burn off with bluish
flame, which is also yielded by the assay itself - Te.
(Confirm Tellurium by Test No.3; most positive)
L: Yellow hot, white cold coating; ncn-volatile, small
metallic globules. If coating moistened with cobalt
nitrate solution and assay strongly heated cQating
will hecome bluish-green when cold - - - - - - - - Sn.
M: Yellow hot, white cold with blue border. Non-vola
tile. NO metallic globules. If coating moistened as
above and reheated, coat becomes a bright green - Zn.
(Confirm Zinc by Test 60, Part Three)
N: No flux; infusible. If heated then assay moistened
as in L. above and reheated, assay becomes green - AI.
0: No flux; infusible. If heated then assay moistened
as in L. above and reheated, assay becomes pink - Mg.
(Confirm Magnesium by Test No. 38, Part Three)
P: With flux: red metallic looking mass or specks - - Cu.
(Confirm Copper by Test 14; most positive test)
Q: Yellow, soft, malleable globule, bead or button - Au.
(Confirm Gold by Test 34, Part Three)
R: \¥.hite malleable globule, beads or button - Ag.
(Confirm Silver by Test 52, Part Three)
S: A magnetic residue after heating in R.F. and let cool
indicates either Iron, Nickel, or Cobalt present.
(7 - Part Two)
TEST No. 13-A: For Cb., Ti. - any ore. (Also W. MO. v. Co.).
NorE: All these but Cb. and Ti. should have been found, if
present, in previous tests, so main object here is to cover
Cb. and Ti. However, reactions for others will also be given
here to watch for. Some colors may occur quite soon, some
only on standing until cold or longer - so watch both.
TO TEST: Use same fusion from Test 12, or make a new one.
1. Pulverize fusion from Test 12, or the new one.
2. Place in clean test tube with 2 cc Hydrochloric Acid.
3. Add a small piece of metallic tin. (Tinfoil best).
4. Boil until solution changes color; then a little longer.
NOTE: Add more tin if solution does not change color.
RESULTS
A: Light-blue solution indicates Columbium; may not show up
until cold or longer. Color brighter if let set few min
utes then add powdered zinc metal equal to 2 grains rice.
B: Dark-blue solution indicates Tungsten. To determine if W.
or Cb.: W. gives a blue solution in Test 3, Cb. will not.
C: A lavender solution indicates Ti. Confirm by Test 57.
D: A red or rose solution if Mo. present. Positive test.
E: A green solution indicates V. or Co. Confirm V. by tests
1-17 and 60. Confirm Co. by tests 5-8 and 17.
NOTE: In above, charcoal may remain in suspension and thus
make colors hard. to distinguish; i f so, may proceed as in
Test 13~ for Cb. and Ti. If no color above can skip 13-B.
*
TEST 13-B: Special test for Cb. and Ti. If in doubt above.
1. Place a piece of chinaware in adjustable holder.
2. Place on same powdered borax. (or borax glass best) equal
to about 1/2 sise of common pea (more or less).
3. Add powiered mineral equal to about 2 grains of rice.
4. Add sodium hydroxide (pellet best) equal 1/2 size pea.
5. Fuse well with blowpipe, while hot tum over with knife
blade and fuse again. A good fusion is necessary.
6. While hot remove fusion and crush in porcelain mortar.
7. Place in test tube with 2 cc strong Hydrochloric Acid.
8. Add 1 or 2 small pieces of metallic tin (tinfoil best).
9. Boil until solution changes color; then a 11 ttle longer.
RESUL'IS: Same as in Test 13-A, but colors plainer seen.
Let set few minutes then add zinc powder size 2 grains rice.
***
TEST No. 14: For Copper, any orej most positive test for Cu.
1. Place small piece scrap charcoal in adjustable holder.
2. Place on same small piece mineral size of match head.
3. Heat to redness in Oxidizing flame of blowpipe.
4. Add 1 drop Hydrochloric Acid; now reheat with blowpipe.
RESUL'IS: A blue or green flame i f any copper present.
***
TEST No. 15: For lfercury (Hg). Method of Procedure.
HarE: Cinnabar is only main ore; it is very characteristic
color (usually vermilion-red or scarlet; very few rocks even
resemble it. Should have known sample Cinnabar, then test
for Hg. only when your rock resembles same, in which case
see Test 40 Part Three, and proceed as given there.
(8 - Part Two)
BOOAX AND SALT OF PHCS?HOROUS BEADS
- General Information
*
BORAX HEADS: Made on platinum wire, as follows:
1. Heat end of platinum wire in flame of the alcohol lamp.
2. vVhile hot quickly touch to borax powder.
3. Reheat in lamp flame until fusion stops.
4. While hot touch again to borax, then reheat; repeat this
until oead is about the size of small grain of rice.
5. Now heat with blowpipe until bead clear and transparent.
6. While hot touch to t'ew specks of roasted powdered mineral.
7. Heat for sorr.e ti.me in the O.F. (Oxidizing Flame) of blow
pine. Note the color, if any, while hot and when cold.
8. NOw heat in R.F. (Heducing Flame); note color, hot, cold.
9. If no color, add few more specks of mineral; try again.
Repeat this until oead is saturated (opaque).
RESULTS: If an appreciable amount of element is present a
point will be reached where color will snow up as listed on
following page. NOTE: In making or heating bead, hold wire
horizontal; to remove bead hold wire vertical, then heat.
CCBALT - Co.
O.F.: Blue hot; blue cold. R.F.: Blue hot; blue cold.
IR(II - Fe.
O.F.: Yel. hot; Cls. cold. R.F.: Yel. hot; Cls. cold.
NOTE: Iron with saturated bead may be pale-green cold.
(10 - Part Two)
SECOND PROCEDURE
TESTS MADE ON CONCENTRATES
- General Information
*
1. After completing our Qualitative Analysis on the crude
ore, as given in previous pages, we then proceed to concen
trate our rock in a gold pan, then re-check for the heavier
elements, such as gold, silver, lead, bismuth, nickel, tin,
tungsten, uranium, tantalum, columbium, platinum minerals,
etc., which due to their high value may be present in paying
quantities, but did not catch in the first procedure on the
crude ore due to small quantity material used in testing.
2. Note: If any sulphides or Tellurium found in the first
procedure, roast ore thoroughly before panning.
3. To Roast Ore: Place crushed or powdered ore in a metal
container, such as old frying-pan, pie tin or shovel, place
over open flame, such as camp fire, stove with lid removed,
or better in a blacksmith forge. Heat, and hold to a dull
redness for 10 to 30 minutes, or until no more smoke or any
sulphur fumes given off; keep stirring ore while roasting.
4. Another good method: For any and all rocks. Heat rock
for some time, to red if possible, in camp fire, stove, or in
blacksmith forge; then stand back in case rock explodes and
toss in bucket of cold water. This will help free rock of
sulphides and tellurium, also reduce certain elements to the
metallic state, such as lead, bismuth, gold and silver tel
lurides, etc. Also make rock easier to pulverize later o~~
B ISM U T H - Bi.
TEST No. 2h
CAD M I U M - Cd.
TEST No. 27
C H ROM I U M - Cr.
TE.S'T' A: With Salt of Fhosphorous Bead.
Note: For making bead tests see instructions ~ Part Two.
1. Oxidizing Flame: Dirty-green hot, emerald-green when cold.
2. Reducing Flame: Dirty-green hot, emerald-green when cold.
*
Tl!.ST B: vmere iron etc., interferes with the above test.
1. Place Sonium Carbonate equal to one navy bean and same
amount of Potassium Nitrate in an evaporating dish.
2. Add powdered mineral equal to about 2 grains of rice.
3. Mix above thoroughlv and dampen with a drop of water.
4. Place on charcoal block and fuse thoroughLy with blowpipe.
RESULTS: Fusion usuall.V yellow if much chromium present.
5. Place 3 cc of water in a test tube and heat to boiling.
6. Add powdered fusion to water and reheat to boiling.
RESULTS: Chromium now in solution (usually yellow).
7. Filter solution into a clean test tube.
8. Add about 6 drops or so of Glacial Acet.ic Acid.
9. Add a few small crYstals of Lead Acetate.
RESULTS: A yellow precipitate if much chromium present.
To confirm: Shake tube and filter; let paper dry, then test
precipitate with Salt of Phosphorous Bead by Test A. above.
(2 - Part Three)
TEST No. 28
COB A L T - Co.
***
TEST No. 29
COL U I( B I U I( - Cb.
DID Y M I U M - ni.
TEST No.
FLUORINE-F.
NOTE: Fluorine is not a metallic mineral; but Fluorspar-CaF.
is not only an important, but also a very much needed mineral
a t the jJres (,-nt time; so will be included in these tests.
TEST: Bv the etching of glass. (With Sulphuric Acid).
1. Coat one side of a piece of glass with l'1elted para.:t.'fin.
2. Wi t.h a pointed stick make a number of scratches through
the paraffin without scratching the glass.
3. Place some fine powdered mineral in an evaporatin~ dish.
4. Arid a little Sulphuric Acid and mix powder into a paste.
5. Add paste to scratches in parai'fin; press lightly to make
sure the paste reaches the glass.
6. Let set for an hour or longer.
7. Warm paraffin and remove from glass with a soft cloth.
A. Wa~h glass with warm water.
->.:- * *
TEST No. 33
G E R MAN I U M- Ge.
TEST: Charcoal - no flux. (See Test 11).
1. Use powdered mineral equal to two or three grains rice.
2. Place on charcoal; heat in Oxidizing Flame.
RESULTS: Germanium volatizesj first it gives a pure white
coating near the assay; on prolonged heating moves further
out, and assumes a greenish or brownish. but mostly a lemon
yellow color. When examined with a lens the coating has a
glazed or enamel-like appearance. Small fused transparent
globules may be seen scattered on charcoal near the assay_
***
'T'FST No. 34
G 0 L D - Au.
'f~T: Witn Aqua Regia and Stannous Chloride. (Spot Test).
1. Place powdered ore or concentrates size of pea (or any
particles suspected of oeing gold) in a test tube.
2. Add 1 cc Nitric and 3 cc Hydrochloric Acid (Aqua Regia).
3. B oil slowly about 5 minutes or longer over lamp flame.
4. Let set until fairly cool, or better until cold.
5. Place a piece of filter paper on a clean ~iece of glass.
6. Place one drop of above solution in center of paper.
7. kdd one drop freshly prepared Stannous Chloride Solution.
RESULTS: A dark purple to a pale pink spot if gold present;
the darker the color the more gold present. For testing Pt.
from same solution see "Second Procedure" Part Two.
(4 - Part Three)
TEST No. 35
I RID I U II - Ir.
***
TEST No. 36
I RON - Fe.
TEST A: Magnetic properties.
1. Powder mineral real fine; test with a strong magnet:
RESULTS: If magnet does not pick it up proceed as follows
as most iron is not magnetic in its natural state.
2. Place powder on charcoal; ~eat thoroughlY in R.Y.
RESULTS: Practically all iron ore will now become magnetic,
and can be removed with a magnet.
*
solutions.
TEST B: To remove Iron from acid
1. Use powdered mineral equal to one navy bean.
2. Place in test tube with 6 cc dilute .Hitric Acid. (2 cc
Nitric Acid: 4 cc water).
3. B oil for some considerable time; let set until cold.
4. Add 2 cc more water.
5. Add 2 cc Strong Anuoonia.
***
TEST No. 37
LEA D - Ph.
TEST A: (h Charcoal - with It Charcoali" lux" •
1. Use powdered mineral equal to two grains of rice.
2. Mix with charcoal flux .equal to two navy beans.
3. Make in paste with water; place on charcoal block.
4. Fuse in the Reducing Flame of the blowpipe.
R}~ULTS: A yellow coating on charcoal near the assay; small
globules of metallic lead; if globules are not visible in
heating, crush and carefully wash off the residue, confirm
by '!'est B. (As Bismuth will also give a similar reaction).
'*
TEST B: A quick accurate test for Lead.
1. Use powdered mineral equa.l to two grains of rice.
2. Place powdered mineral in an evaporating dish.
3. Add 3 drops of strong Nitric Acid.
4. Let set for about 5 minutes, or longer.
5. Add 3 cc of cold water.
6. Add a few small crystals of Potassium Iodide.
(5 - Part Three)
TEST No. 38
MAG N E S I U M - JIg.
TEST No. 39
MANGANESE-Ml.
TEST A: For all black or dark colored manganese ores.
1. Place powdered ore size 1 grain rice in evaporating dish.
2. Add one cc strong hydrochloric acid; heat to boiling.
RESULTS: A black to greenish-black solution it manganese.
*
TEST B: For any manganese ore regardless of color.
1. Place Sodium Carbonate size of pea in evaporating dish.
2. Add a few very small specks powdered mineral; very little.
3. Moisten to a thick paste with a drop of water.
4. Place on charcoal; heat in Oxidizing tlame offolowpipe.
RESULTS: A blue or greeniSh-blue bead if manganese.
NarE: If bead turns black, try again, use less mineral.
***
TEST No. 40
MER CUR Y - Hg.
TEST: By coating on Copper; most positive test for Mercury.
NOTE: The main ore of Mercury is Cinnabar (Mercury Sulphide).
Color: Vermilion-red or scarlet. We test for mercury only
when a rock contains or shows some shade of red.
1. Place powdered mineral size of pea in evaporating dish.
2. Add an equal amount of powdered Pyrolusite (MhO).
3. Add one cc of strong Hydrochloric Acid.
4. Heat over lamp flame to boiling; add 2 cc of cold water.
5. Take a copper penny, place in another clean evaporating
dish, add 6 drops of water and 6 drops Nitric Acid; when
penny is clean remove and rinse well with clean water.
6. Now take the cleaned penny, hold upright with fingers and
immerse the lower half in the solution being tested.
RESULTS: Metallic Mercury, if present, collects on copper
giving it a silver-plated appearance. Very positive test.
(6 - Part Three)
TEST No. 41
MOL Y B DEN U M - Mo.
TEST: For any and all Molybdenum Ores.
1. Place Charco:;;.l flux equal to about size of pea in dish.
2. Add powdered mineral equal to about two grains of rice.
3. Mix thoroughly and dampen to paste with drop of water.
4. Place on charcoal block, fuse thoroughly with blowpipe.
5. Remove fusion and crush to powder in a porcelain mortar.
6. Place 3 cc Strong Hydrochloric Acid in clean test tube.
7. Add powdered fusion (5 above) to the acid in test tube.
8. Add a small piece of metallic tin. (Tinfoil best).
9. B oil over lamp flame slowly until solution changes color;
either colorless, red or rose. Let set until cold.
RESULTS: A red or rose color if Molybdenum present. To det
ermine type or ore, see article 4, page 2, Part <ile.
NOTE: Titanium may give similar color; check Ti. Test 57.
***
TEST No. 42
N I C K E L - Ni.
TESTB: Quick spot Test; very positive for all nickel ores.
1. P lace a piece of filter paper on a clean piece of glass.
2. Add 1 drop of Dimethyl.glyoxime solution to center paper.
3. Add 1 drop test solution (A. above) to center of paper.
4. Add 1 drop of Strong Ammonia to center of the paper.
RESULTS: A red or rose color which will not fade when paper
is dry if nickel present. The color, especially for low grade
ores, will show plainer if let paper dry, add 1 drop ammonia.
NOfE: Some iron ores will also give a red or rose, but will
fade out when paper is dry. See Test C. below.
*
TEST C: To remove iron from Test Solution.
1. Add 2 cc or more Strong Ammonia to Test Solution A.
2. Filter this solution into another clean test tube.
RESULTS: Nickel in solution; iron on paper, discard.
3. Add 6 drops Dimethyl.glyoxime to the filtered solution.
RESULTS: A rose-colored precipitate which will settle to
bottom of tube after setting for some time; best over night.
By using same amount of mineral of known percentage a fairly
accurate percentage of the unknown may be estimated.
***
TEST No. 43
OS M I U M - Os.
TEST: Q1 Charcoal - No Flux.
1. Place particles susDected of being osmium on charcoal.
fumes attack and smart the eyes much like peeling onions, if
l7 - Part 'l'hree)
TEST No. 44
TFSl' No. 45
P LA TIN U M - Pt.
***
TEST No. 49
S U L P H U R - S.
NOTE: To find if a mineral is a Sulphide.
T}BT A: On Charcoal - NO Flux.
1. Place a little powdered mineral on a charcoal block.
2. Heat in O.F: note results; Heat in R.F: note results.
RESULTS: ()jor if much sulphur; may be a blue flame.
*
TEST B: With Nitric or Hydrochloric Acid.
1. Place small amount of powdered mineral in a test tube.
2. Add a little Nitric or ijydrochloric Acid.
RESULTS: An odor somewhat resembling rot ten eggs.
3. Boil for some time.
*
TEST C: Darkens Silver after fusion with Sodium Carbonate.
1. Use powdered mineral equal to two grains of rice.
2. Mix with Sodium Carbonate equal to one navy bean.
3. Dampen with water; fuse on charcoal in Reducing Flame.
RF~ULTS: Note it an odor of Sulphur.
4. Crush melt; dampen with drop ot water; place on a brigmt
piece of silver; let set one-halt hour or longer.
RESULTS: A black stain which will not wash off indicates S.•
NOTE: A ver.y positive test it no Te. or See is present.
Check Tellurium by Test 54. Selenium by Test 48.
(9 - Part Three)
GF:.N1ttAL INf<-UH.U;\TI:iN ON TI<STING SILVER: OR SILVJ<R-LEAD CRES.
*
S I LV E R - Ag.
RESULTS:
*
TEST TUBE #2: Use this in making Test ~.
NOTE: Tellurium and some copper ores will also give a green
flame; check Te. by Tests 54-A and ~; check ~u. by Test 30-A.
*
TEST B: (h Charcoal - with tlismuth Flux.
TIT A N I U M - Ti.
NarES.
RESULTS:
VANAD rUM-V.
no tifi e you.
(5C5) 299-4263
/J if j)'pp
f( uS S n~'-/\
J9' 0 f 13', W i Isk; re -=tF"3
Fv//VLttrk W~ 92ro 31
..