The Platinum Cannon Shipwreck
A modern tale of Alchemy
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Now we will calculate the BEFORE ignition precious metal weights. Repeat the mathematics in "All above using the results from the pulverized BEFORE ignition black sands sample. The 100.0 grams shown below was the weight of the original black sands in the before ignition chemical matrix.

C. Ag g/ton (adjusted) x 100.0 g = Total Ag g before burn
1 X 10+6 g/ton

Au g/ton____ x 100.0 g = Total Au g before burn
1 x 10+6 g/ton

The final step in the calculations for gold and silver generation is to determine the efficiency of our reaction.

Analytical Analysis of Platinum and PGM's

To analyze for the PGM's, it is necessary to use a laboratory facility which has capabilities of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP), Neutron Activation, etc. Prior to analysis sample preparations are extremely important. The following procedures have performed successfully in association with this type of thermal reaction. The first step is to divide the samples into three categories:

--Black sands before pulverization, before ignition
--Black sands after pulverization, before ignition
--Pulverized after ignition residue

Instruct the laboratory to prepare each of the three samples as follows:

Phase I-
Digest 1.0 gram of sample in 30 ml of hot
30% HN03 until there is no further reaction.
Decant and dilute to 100 ml total.

Phase II-
Digest remaining residue of Phase I in 5.0 ml of Aqua Regia (3HCl - HNO3) until the reaction ceases. Make up to 100 ml.

Phase III-
The laboratory should analyze the Phase I liquor for silver and palladium.

Phase IV-
T he laboratory should analyze the Phase II liquor for gold, iridium, osmium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium.

To calculate the BEFORE and AFTER results of the PGM analyses, use the following formulas:

Black Sands Before Pulverization

Prec. Metal ppm x 100 9 = g Black Sands (Before Pulverization)
1 X 10+6 g/ton

Black Sands After Pulverization

Prec. Metal ppm x 100 g = g Black Sands(Aft. Pulverization)
1 x 10+6 g/ton

After Ignition Calculation

Precious Metal ppm x Residue Wt = Grams After Ignition
1 X 10+6 g/ton

To simplify, I would suggest making the following chart:

B.S. B.P. = Black Sands BEFORE Pulverization
B.S. A.P. = Black Sands AFTER Pulverization
R.A.I. = Residue AFTER Ignition

Experimental Discussion

This experimental demonstration is similar to that of Thermal 4 conducted at Texas A&M University and shown in Chapter IV. Two major differences exist.

1. The elimination of Hg2Cl2(Mercurous Chloride) from the starting chemicals.

2. Analysis procedures for the PGMs.

I used this example, because it is economical and has the highest replication yield of any of the experimental conditions. Also, working with this basic matrix of chemicals wherein the majority of the matrix is common minerals in their native form allows for advanced studies in formation and distribution determination of elements on our planet.

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