I use gravitational separation of minerals.
Due to the fact that minerals have different specific weights, (different densities) in situations in which the specific weight is determined, the consequence is that the “behavior” of minerals will be different according to their density and therefore can be separated on this criterion.
This is the oldest method for obtaining some minerals, dating back over 9000 years. In ancient times gravitational separation was used to recover gold from alluvial deposits. Being a noble metal, gold was visible in the alluvial deposits from where it was extracted, and was used mainly for making jewelry.
On the territory of Dacia, gravitational separation was used intensively both for recovering gold from alluvial deposits and for exploiting ore deposits, especially gold, which would come to the surface. The roman occupation, largely determined by the Roman’s desire to capture the gold treasures of Dacia, did not stop the gold extraction. On the contrary, it led to an intensification of this activity.
During the Middle Ages the extraction was continuous.
In modern times, extracting gold was focused mostly on ores. However, gravitational separation is still used in the modern process of mineral preparation, in combination with other methods, sometimes using very complicated schemes.
Due to its qualities, such as the simplicity of the method and the machinery used, the high efficiency, the low cost, the non-existent level of chemical and acoustic pollution, its sturdiness, the fact that it only uses water and time verification, the method continues to preserve its value today. The fact that the method is eco-friendly makes it current.
The method, as conceived by me, recovers gold both from gold alluvial deposits and ores.
Although it may look simple, if used to a superior level, it requires a great deal of attention to details, such as:
- The size, shape and density of particles that create the turbidity;
- The concentration and density of the work medium;
- The temperature;
- The quantity of ore processed per hour;
- Labor speed;
- Dilution and the consumption of energy, water and labor.
All these variables need to be controlled and brought to maximum efficiency.