Refining GOLD...

[Joe S (AK)]

Chlorine Gas - Cl 2 - is introduced to (bubbled up through) the molten refined Gold as a Post Refining further step to achieve .9999 fineness.

The Chlorine combines with the remaining minute trace alloy metals in the liquid to form metallic chlorides which can then, meticulously, be separated from the now ultra pure Gold.

[Geowizard]

Less noble impurities dissolve first;

In chemistry, chlorine dissolves all of the less noble metals to form metal chlorides before GOLD.

Eventually, chlorine will dissolve GOLD. That's why it is advised to keep GOLD jewelry out of bleach water.

- Geowizard

[Joe S (AK)]

No, it isn't a dissolution of the trace elemental metals - it's a chemical reaction which converts the elemental Non-Auriferous metals into chlorides. Basic chemistry stuff.

Gold and Chlorine variations are a slippery creature to come up with in the wild - which is why they are usually discounted in most mining. Unless you mine in Telluride, Colorado the chances of actually seeing or working Au(III) or the other variations is pretty slim.

As to "loosing Gold" through some sort of Chlorine erosion from bleach - well - maybe an atom or two over a long time - hardly a consideration unless you get into the dangerous realm of concentrated Nitric and Concentrated Hydrochloric acids used in making Aqua Regia.

"The usual molar ratio between concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid is HCl:HNO3 of 3:1".

[Geowizard]

Debate is a good thing;

Chemistry of GOLD is a mature science.

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

No, it isn't a dissolution of the trace elemental metals - it's a chemical reaction which converts the elemental Non-Auriferous metals into chlorides. Basic chemistry stuff.

Gold and Chlorine variations are a slippery creature to come up with in the wild - which is why they are usually discounted in most mining. Unless you mine in Telluride, Colorado the chances of actually seeing or working Au(III) or the other variations is pretty slim.

As to "loosing Gold" through some sort of Chlorine erosion from bleach - well - maybe an atom or two over a long time - hardly a consideration unless you get into the dangerous realm of concentrated Nitric and Concentrated Hydrochloric acids used in making Aqua Regia.

"The usual molar ratio between concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid is HCl:HNO3 of 3:1".

Save the babble;

I recommend the audience direct their attention to the process shown in the video above...

The series of videos on GOLD refining presented by SREETIPS on YouTube are repeatable and verifiable!

Using chemicals requires using all of the safety advice given in the videos!

GOLD recovery and refining is important for prospectors to know and understand.

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

GOLD(III);

For clarity, this wiki reference discusses GOLD(III): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold(III)_chloride

Wiki also cites references for more study if interested.

-Geowizard

[Geowizard]

Alaska placer GOLD refining Part 2;

Here's a link to Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DUaBAJ_pIs

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

Sodium Metabisulfite;

So, it turns out the ingredient needed to precipitate GOLD is available at the hardware store...

It's called Stump Out made by Bonide:



Precipitates GOLD from AR.

- Geowizard