letter 39080

Need alternative to cyanide stripping of gold

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We presently use a Cyanide bath to strip material of gold and would like to find an alternate method which is less dangerous.

Gene Artinius
- Manchester, New Hampshire

First of two simultaneous responses -- ++++++

Hi Gene,
I have tried to use non-cyanide gold strippers in the past, with poor results. They had to be heated to a high temperature, and took forever to strip the gold. It was a good thing I got the chemicals in on trial basis. You may want to call some precious metal suppliers (for electroplating), or a reputable refiner may know of a good product they currently use. Hope you find something.

Mark Baker
fellow plater - Syracuse, New York

Second of two simultaneous responses -- ++++++

Slightly acidified gold chloride as electrolytic etching solution can be used (object=anode),or aqua regia solution(if electrolytic method is not possible).

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb, Croatia

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Hello Goran,

Thanks for the input.

Gene Artinius
- Manchester, New Hampshire

November 18, 2009

Hi..

you may try this..

40% NaOH added with 23% sodium metabisulfite..Use ultrasonic system..The gold will be removed..

Monggoluton
- Malaysia