Tumbling with Mercury

[Rege-PA]

I have some super fine gold that I would like to recover with mercury, I have a retort to recover the mercury. Is it more efficient to tumble the cons wet or dry? I am aware of the health issues.

[Gold Seeker]

I'm not sure which would be best as far as being more efficient, but on the safety side of this subject I would tumble them wet, the water would help prevent the mercury from vaporizing. IMHO

Skip

[Hoser John]

Half full tumbler the rest water-1 tsp of TSP and a 1tbs of mercury. You can also use 1/2 tsp of caustic soda or a tbs of non sudsing ammonia. Do not add anything that suds or you'll end up with 1 ll of a mess. Retort should drop into water with discharge end covered to into the water with a cloth,paper towel whatever to prevent fumes from escaping OUTDOORS only if you don't have a analytical fumation hood lab style. Have fun,be careful-John

[Rege-PA]

Thanks for the good info, will give it a try.

[OKJohn]

Just purchased a retort on web and used it for the first time. It worked great. Simple design, but high quality.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-Tube-Re ... 4ab9a40a18

I did not tumble. However, I did put my mercury and my low-grade dredge concentrates into a tub (with water). The 750 mile drive home acted as my tumbler.

OKJohn

[russau]

John i saw these being developed over on www.coloradogoldcamp.com and i agree ,these are neat!