PLATINUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 1987, 24 March 1892, Page 15

PLATINUM.

.._ Mr Henry Rose writes : "It may be interesting to know that platinum in, minute steel-gray grains is found on the Waipapa and Six-mile beaches. Efforts are now being made, to save it, and I should be grateful if any of your readers could give me any information as to the method which should be adopted."

With reference to the above request Professor Ulrich kindly informs us that the method adopted is precisely the same as that in use for saving gold with mechanical appliances, such as v the use of blankets, &c. Quicksilver must not be use~d on any account, as it does not amal- 1 gamate with platinum. The result _is a mixture of gold and platinum ore, and .in the separation of these quicksilver is brought into-, use, as it amalgamates with the gold and leaves, the platinum ore separated. The platinum 1 thus obtained is never pure, being an alloy of. what are termed platinum elements, comprising iridium, osmium, iron, &c. The separation of these is a difficult and expensive chemical process, and the professor informs us-, that h<? should not advise this being undertaken in the meantime. The best plan to adopt, would be to send the platinum alloy (after the separation of the gold, of course) to the London market and try what it will fetch.

The following letter appeared in Tuesday's Daily Times : —

Sir, — Mr Henry Rose asks for information for having platinum. There is no more difficulty in saving platina than fine gold ; the only difference is that fine gold amalgamates with quicksilver, and is therefore extracted from the black sand, whereas platinum will. not amalgamate with quicksilver, and therefore the pnnnings oft' requires a streaming down— if in qimntitios, on plush first, and afterwards on baize or calico. When dry, a strong magnet may be useful in extracting what particle.6 ,of ironsand remain. — I am, &c.' Archibald Butler, Duuedin, March 19. Miner.