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An atomic-absorption method for the determination of gold in large samples of geologic materials

January 1, 1968

A laboratory method for the determination of gold in large (100-gram) samples has been developed for use in the study of the gold content of placer deposits and of trace amounts of gold in other geologic materials. In this method the sample is digested with bromine and ethyl ether, the gold is extracted into methyl isobutyl ketone, and the determination is made by atomicabsorption spectrophotometry. The lower limit of detection is 0.005 part per million in the sample. The few data obtained so far by this method agree favorably with those obtained by assay and by other atomic-absorption methods. About 25 determinations can be made per man-day.

Publication Year 1968
Title An atomic-absorption method for the determination of gold in large samples of geologic materials
DOI 10.3133/cir561
Authors Gordon H. VanSickle, Hubert William Lakin
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Circular
Series Number 561
Index ID cir561
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse