What are fire assay crucibles?

This regular simple looking ceramic (we call them pots) made of fire clay and proprietary additives, has an extremely long history in the gold business . Its use is referenced in historical texts that are more than 3000 years old, which you think about it, this is a simple ceramic cup ,A crucible is, in simple terms.

A modern fire assay crucible is not that far removed from those of the past with the exception of the additional science behind it’s composition. Modern crucibles are made for laboratory use rather than refining and so are required to be exacting in their specifications. Additionally they should be strong enough to withstand huge changes in temperature through multiple uses.

The following process is typical:

· Flux and sample are added to the crucible

· And then mixed together inside

· Heat is applied to the crucible and mixture by placing the pot in a furnace at around 1150oC

· After a pre-determined period of time the crucible is removed and the molten contents are poured into a cast iron mould

· The crucible is cooled and ready for it’s next use , it may be disposed of if the previous sample contained high quantities of gold.



Post time: Jul-30-2020

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