Cupellation complications

Aerogrudge

Aerogrudge

New Member
#1
Perhaps I have one of the platinum group metals, my cupels aren't following the rules so to speak. They never blink, they're bright gold when hot then as it cools its color fades to greenish gold but some dark greenish black towards the bottom. It also has a long pasty stage and hardens contracted. As it solidifies golden specs form on top not sure of depth looks like crystals forming? Since it never blinks I know not If all the lead is out of it. I would post some pics but I don't think it would do it justice on color and details unfortunately.
 
fireguy

fireguy

Supermoderator
#2
I would suggest posting a picture of your lead button before cupelling, then a picture when the cupel is "driving", and another showing the cupel and bead after completion. It is rare to see the "blick". The conditions have to be correct, so not seeing the blick is not really an issue.
 
Aerogrudge

Aerogrudge

New Member
#3
I would suggest posting a picture of your lead button before cupelling, then a picture when the cupel is "driving", and another showing the cupel and bead after completion. It is rare to see the "blick". The conditions have to be correct, so not seeing the blick is not really an issue.
Ok so this is a picture of what it looks like post scorification, I'm sure the picture does not do it justice but maybe. The prill is speckled it was nice and golden color when hot then it fades to this shiny silvery yet slightly green cold state. It hardened contracted on the one larger button. Keep in mind I'm not expertly experienced I know enough to be dangerous figuratively speaking. This has been my major issue is the color fading when it cools. I started this as a hobby then as gold value increased I thought I'd try and profit from it. I'm very limited on funds due to the COVID bullshit so my equipment is less than state of the art. I'm just trying to make some money of that's possible. I havent had the money to get these new samples assayed which is an issue. Ive no idea what's in the ore except for the first samples tested low on gold moderate on silver. These new samples are far better looking as far as I can tell. My process is a simple scorification with fishing lead. Within a minute or two the button takes on excellent color, gets pasty bright and shiny. There is a blue color as well as green some purple and gold of course. I'll leave it at that for now for your reply. Thankyou for your time in advance teaching this on a forum I'm sure is difficult.
 
fireguy

fireguy

Supermoderator
#4
I'm not sure if you are describing the color of the lead? If so, the coloration of the lead is probably not an indicator of anything. The appearance of the dore bead after cupellation may give some indication of gold and silver content, as well of potential platinum group.
 
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