Frequently Asked Questions:
Q - - - Do you identify meteorites?
A - - - We neither test nor identify meteorites. Our assay method pulverizes samples. Meteorites have value only if they are intact. There are other organizations to help you. For example, you may contact the New England Meteorical Services - (508-478-4020) about testing. There also are universities and other experts who can test meteorite material.
Q - - - Do you test diamonds, rubies, gemstones?
A - - - We analyze minerals for metallic elements. Gem examination requires different expertise and equipment. You might contact The Gemological Institute, Carlsbad, CA (1-800-421-7250) for information regarding testing.
Q - - - Do you test diatomaceous earth, clays, petrified wood, cement?
A - - - No. Product testing labs have the equipment for identifying diatomaceous earth or clays which may require physical tests along with microscopic and chemical analysis.
Q - - - Do you test liquids for gold, platinum, etc.?
A - - - No liquids at this time.
A - - - Do you test for radioactive minerals?
A - - - Yes, up to 1000 ppm. We no longer can accept samples emitting radiation exceeding 0.2 mR/Hr, and those shipments will be returned to the sender unopened.
Q - - - Do you examine properties or conduct field testing?
A - - - No. We perform in-house lab tests only.
Q - - - Do you identify minerals by species?
A - - - We report the metallic chemical elements which the sample contains. The mineral name or species is not reported. Often a mineral species is obvious from the elements it contains, but the majority of geologic samples we receive are a mixed bag of many different types of mineral particles - i.e. 2% Magnetite, 6% Hematite, .07% Arsenopyrite, .001% Monazite, 1.6% Calcite, 23% quartz, etc., which would add greatly to the cost if each particle had to be separately identified by mineral name and quantitated.
We report the chemical elements contained in the sample, such as Copper, Lead, or Zinc, which is specific information, rather than provide an opinion as to whether the probable identity is Chalcocite, Galena, or Sphalerite. A typical rock sample may contain a variety of different minerals.
Q - - -Lab turnaround testing black sand concentrate?
A - - - Lab processing time varies by test and sample material, among other factors. Tests usually require 15 to 21 business days to process from the day we receive the order. Wet or damp minerals, unusually rich and complex samples, non-mineral samples, and orders omitting payment, instructions, or incorrect mailing address usually take longer to process. Samples containing multiple, high-value elements are very complex and are not suitable for quick analysis.
Q - - - I have 200 pounds of black sand, who buys this material?
A - - - There probably is no market for small amounts of mineral other than possibly a rock shop. You might find a buyer in the International California Mining Journal or other mining magazine, but most buyers have a minimum quantity which differs between different buyers.
Q - - - Do you refine gold, silver, platinum, rare earths?
A - - - No.
Q - - - Do you test non-mineral particles (e.g. phytoliths, seeds, paint, glass)?
A - - - We accept soil samples for analysis but not individual microscopic grains or particles, fossils, seeds, plants, grasses, paint, or glass.
Q - - - Do you use soil maps in your analysis?
A - - - No. We provide elemental analysis of the specific mineral sample submitted.
Q - - -I failed to receive my report.
A - - - We require a client's correct mailing address because reports are mailed to the address provided. If an incorrect address or partial address is given, or a missing address, the report may be delayed indefinitely until a valid mailing address is supplied. Transient clients may specify an e-mail only report if hard copy mailing is unnecessary or impossible to deliver.
Q - - - I have several pounds of rocks containing at least 70% of gold and need to know where to send them to have the gold extracted. Might you be able to assist me here?
A - - - There may be someone interested in refining a few pounds of rocks, but most refiners require more than that. A rock that is 70% gold probably should not be refined at all, but would be sold intact as a specimen as it would be very rare.
Q - - -How long do assay reports remain valid?
A - - - Assay reports should be replaced when mining activity, sampling, weather, or time, render assay reports obsolete. Depending on the size of the operation and the mineral deposit, a few days of mining activity may invalidate even recent assay reports. Old assay reports are of little value for current feasibility calculations.
Q - - -Do assay reports include a full description of the methods, procedures, and technologies used in my assay?
A - - - We report basic data obtained by analysis in either ppm, oz/ton, or percent, in a printed report similar to printed reports supplied by assayers for work in the same approximate price range. Our listed prices do not include full, formal reports describing the sample appearance, chain of custody documentation, methods and procedures used, instrumentation and graphs, technology, proprietary methods, references to literature, flow sheets for mineral processing, feasibility studies, names and addresses of buyers, curricula vitae of the analyst, or other information which would greatly increase the cost of analysis. We do not offer such reports at this time.
Q - - - Does the report include a recovery method needed to process ore for precious metals?
A - - - No. The design of an extraction process or flow sheet for a mineral involves much more than assays. A mining engineer, metallurgical engineer, or chemical engineer should provide that service.
Q - - - Do you certify ore product quality?
A - - - There are at least five stages in mining:
We provide analytical reports for the first 3 stages - exploration, development, and production analysis. Product certification for marketing purposes is not offered at this time as we are not an LME-listed bullion assayer. We do provide limited production tests for troubleshooting and process verification purposes.
Different stages of mining may require different types of analyses, procedures and data. Analysis for a wide range of possible elements is essential for prospecting while other mining stages such as production, require different data and more intensive analyses for quality control of the specific metals being mined. As each stage progresses into the next stage, the analytical focus is usually reduced to the few mineable metals sought and any related contaminants, while accuracy is increased for quality control purposes.