Processing Black Sands

[SchoolOfHardRocks]

I've heard that prospector's "would be surprised, & never discard black sands again if they knew how much gold is in it"...Well, with my 2nd season coming to a close I think I have stock piled enough to think about processing it.

I have about 2 gallons of black sands and am wondering, what's the most efficient way to process it? I've heard about the crushing method & the heat & freeze method...but what is the best way? Are there other ways??

My plan is to document this process from beginning to end on this thread once I have determined which processing method will work best for me..who knows someone else may benefit from seeing my trial and error with black sands. Plus it will keep me busy while I'm patiently waiting for spring

 

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[johnedoe]

By Weight or volume?

By volume.

 

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[KevinInColorado]

The water cons ratio is 1 to 1.... But your on the right track.

I was wondering about that. Did I miss that in Clarkson's writings or did you find that guideline somewhere else...or just learn by experimentation?

 

[johnedoe]

Here ya go...............
They did not not say specifically but my interpretation is by volume.

 

[goldenIrishman]

Due to the weight difference between the sands and the water, 1:1 by volume makes more sense. A cup of cons is going to weigh a LOT more than a cup of water.

I'll make up some sets of rods in different sizes later this week. Going to have to run into Kingman and hit home despot to get the rods to make them. I'm thinking that since the barrels I'm using are made of a rubber like material the I'll also grind the ends of the rods to a slightly rounded shape to keep them from dinging the inside of the barrels. I'll let you guys know how it works. If I can source some ceramic rods I'll try that as well May not weigh as much but they won't be adding ground up steel into the mix.

 

[arizau]

Adding some fine silicon carbide (tumbling media) as an abrasive may help to polish the skin off contaminated fine gold. I would try this without the additional weight of rods, etc.

 

[goldenIrishman]

The idea here is to CRUSH not clean so I don't think the tumbling media is going to be much help. Plus you'd have to pan the media out as well.

 

[arizau]

The idea here is to CRUSH not clean so I don't think the tumbling media is going to be much help. Plus you'd have to pan the media out as well.

No arguments about that. I should have been more explanatory as I know you are trying to reduce all but gold. This is what my post was in reference to. Your quote "It was dirty looking so I put it in a small vial with white vinegar in it for a couple of hours and then looked at it again. Much better looking now as the pictures below show." If added to the original raw mix it will add some additional non gold but may be easily reduced, as are black sands, when rods, etc. are added while, at the same time, doing some polishing.

 

[mu50stang]

Are there any plans on how to make the rod mill? I have a small rock tumbler also and wonder if smaller rod will work in it.

 

[johnedoe]

Are there any plans on how to make the rod mill? I have a small rock tumbler also and wonder if smaller rod will work in it.

Did you read the thread, or just start from here?...

Look at post 3 and click on the PDF link.......

 

[mu50stang]

Did you read the thread, or just start from here?...

Look at post 3 and click on the PDF link.......

Thanks. Will do on my computer since my phone won't let me open it.

 

[johnedoe]

Thanks. Will do on my computer since my phone won't let me open it.

Yeah phones don't do a very good job with that file.

 

[KevinInColorado]

"Simple solution to fine gold recovery" is another good thread to read on this topic. Enjoy!

 

[mu50stang]

Has anyone tried metal bbs in a rock tumbler to see if it would yield the same results. I might try this but I don't have a microscope to see if it works.

 

[goldenIrishman]

Are there any plans on how to make the rod mill? I have a small rock tumbler also and wonder if smaller rod will work in it.

If you've got a tumbler you don't need plans unless you're planning on doing up large batches at a time. As long as your barrels seal up you've pretty much got what ya need to make a small rod mill. Head to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up a section of steel rod from the hardware section. Cut the rods 1/4" shorter than the distance from the bottom of the barrel to the lip that the seal rides on. Deburr the ends to remove any sharp ends and you're ready to rock n roll. I just hit HD today and got a 36" length of 1/2" and one of 1/4" for less than $10. Haven't cut them to length yet because I just got back from the claim and digging. I've got 50 gallons of materials to run and as soon as I get that done I'll get back to work on the mini mill.

Smaller rods may be a little to light to do the job quickly. I'd stick to one 1/4" or larger just for the weight.

 

[mu50stang]

If you've got a tumbler you don't need plans unless you're planning on doing up large batches at a time. As long as your barrels seal up you've pretty much got what ya need to make a small rod mill. Head to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up a section of steel rod from the hardware section. Cut the rods 1/4" shorter than the distance from the bottom of the barrel to the lip that the seal rides on. Deburr the ends to remove any sharp ends and you're ready to rock n roll. I just hit HD today and got a 36" length of 1/2" and one of 1/4" for less than $10. Haven't cut them to length yet because I just got back from the claim and digging. I've got 50 gallons of materials to run and as soon as I get that done I'll get back to work on the mini mill.

Smaller rods may be a little to light to do the job quickly. I'd stick to one 1/4" or larger just for the weight.

Thanks. Ill get to it and let you guys know how it goes.

 

[goldenIrishman]

Has anyone tried metal bbs in a rock tumbler to see if it would yield the same results. I might try this but I don't have a microscope to see if it works.

Bearings will work but won't be as quick as a rod mill. The rods have more contact area to use for grinding ad the drum turns. Not saying that the bearings won't work but a rod mill is more effective.

 

[goldenIrishman]

Thanks. Ill get to it and let you guys know how it goes.

LOL Let the great rock tumbler rod mill race begin!!!!!

 

[johnedoe]

Has anyone tried metal bbs in a rock tumbler to see if it would yield the same results. I might try this but I don't have a microscope to see if it works.

For the umpteenth TIME .......... READ THE PDF..................

http://www.geology.gov.yk.ca/pdf/141114_Nov1014_Grinding_for_Gold_Presentation.pdf

 

[Oregon Viking]

For the umpteenth TIME .......... READ THE PDF..................

http://www.geology.gov.yk.ca/pdf/141114_Nov1014_Grinding_for_Gold_Presentation.pdf

Has anyone tried ball bearings.....slightly larger then bb's?

 

[johnedoe]

Has anyone tried ball bearings.....slightly larger then bb's?
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LOL....................I know you know better.........