What is this?

[rags-to-riches]

I found this yesterday while doin some paning and I have no idea what it is. I was hoping someone could identify it for me. Its the heaviest thing in the pan. Its always at the bottom and a doesnt even move when i swirl the water around it. Platinum maybe, silver, junk? I have no idea. I live in central ohio if it helps. Thanks

 

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[rags-to-riches]

Forgot a picture...

 

[NuggetN8]

Forgot a picture...

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=772492"/>

Looks like a piece of gold with mercury on it. When you get mercury on your gold it gives it that silvery metallic color. If you put it in a metal gold pan and put a blow torch on it for a minute the mercury will burn off. Be careful though I hear its very toxic. Stay downwind of it when you burn it.

 

[rags-to-riches]

Well, I'm pretty sure you are right about the mercury. When i heated it up it turned into a ball of bright silver color. I burned for about a minute and it didn't change. So maybe its just mercury. Should i burn it longer?

 

[NuggetN8]

Well, I'm pretty sure you are right about the mercury. When i heated it up it turned into a ball of bright silver color. I burned for about a minute and it didn't change. So maybe its just mercury. Should i burn it longer?

Hmmmm should have burnt off pretty quick. I guess you could try a little bit longer. Maybe it's not mercury stuck to gold hard to tell with a picture.

 

[Oakview2]

Almost sounds like lead, mercury when hot will vaporize, leaving whatever it is amalgamated with

 

[kuger]

Guys!!!!Please know what the hell your doing!!!!Yea,Mercury when subjected to heat or Nitric acid turns to vapor which is just a "tad",TOXIC.It will kill you!This isnt chit to be playing around with.Just being up wind isnt sufficient,it leaves a residue on anything around and can be absorbed through the skin when you(or your wife,kids) come into contact with it

 

[rags-to-riches]

Easy kuger... I understand the risk involved. It smelled really good and tasted even better.

 

[kuger]

...its your life,I dont care.I do care about other folks that may not know better.


By the way,it smells like burned almonds....yes I know

 

[rags-to-riches]

Alright.....thanks for your input though.

 

[419GottaMinute]

Lead