Assaying Samples

A prospector can do the preparation for assaying of a sample and sometimes he can even do his own testing. This is mainly true if the sample is going to be tested only to see if there is gold or any other precious or valuable mineral without seeing how much is in it as a ratio of the whole amount. The next ideas are relevant when a rich piece of float is going to get tested to find out whether it is worth following in a tracking search.

Remember that before any kind of serious testing can be done, you will need to reduce the sample to the finest grit as you possibly can. In order to get this sample done you will need to place the ore in small amounts in a mortar where it will then be grounded with the pestle. If you see that the pieces of ore are big enough in diameter so that a hammer can be used with the pestle you will need to break it down but first you will need to make a shroud out of a canvas so that the little pieces will not fly off all over the place when it is getting shattered. This can normally be done by just wrapping a piece of cloth around the handle of a pestle and allowing it to wrap around the mortar.

You will need to ground the sample down to a powder between thirty and fifty mesh. If you are looking to be more technical you can get a geological screen so you can then sift the ore and then grind it again until it is all of the same consistency. However in most cases the ore can be thought as ready for assay when it has gotten down to the consistency of a fine powder.

If you can you should get all the material that has been ground in the mortar inside of a plastic bag that can then be sealed to protect it from the air and moisture. These plastic bags are easy to find in the household section in supermarkets, just make sure to get the thicker ones, as they will work well.

If you are going to get the sample tested in a professional assaying office, you will need to give the bag with the ground sample to the assayer.