Fire Assay — Silver (Ag Gravimetric & AAS)
Accurate silver analysis using classical fire assay fusion with gravimetric or AAS finish, delivering dependable evaluation for polymetallic and silver-bearing precious metal deposits.
Analytical Overview & Methodology
Silver determination in geological samples requires specialized flux chemistry and temperature controls to prevent volatilization and cupellation absorption losses. RVA Laboratories’ Silver Fire Assay Suite (FA-AG-03) guarantees maximum recovery and high-precision evaluation for precious metal exploration and bullion production.
Technical Rigor
Our metallurgists adjust furnace atmosphere and temperature profiles precisely during scorification and cupellation to preserve silver content. For low-grade silver exploration samples, the dore bead is digested and analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. For high-grade silver ores and concentrates, the bead is weighed directly, parted, and calculated gravimetrically.
| Method Code | FA-AG-03 |
|---|---|
| Element Coverage | Silver (Ag) |
| Detection Range | 0.5 – 5,000.0 ppm Ag (g/t) |
| Sample Requirement | 30g sample charge (85% <75µm) |
| Instrumentation | Fire Assay Fusion + Flame AAS / Gravimetric Parting |
| Standard Turnaround | Standard: 3-5 Working Days | Fast-Track: 48 Hours |
Laboratory Protocols & Execution Specs
- Sample Charge: 30g homogeneous pulp
- Flux Chemistry: Low-temperature lead collection preventing silver volatilization
- Detection Options: Flame AAS (0.5 - 100 ppm) or Gravimetric (50 - 5,000 ppm)
- Target Minerals: Native silver, argentite, electrum, galena-associated silver
- Quality Control: Matrix-matched CRM standards and duplicate assaying
JORC & NI 43-101 Data Integrity Guarantee
Every batch tested under method FA-AG-03 includes matrix-matched Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), analytical blanks, and duplicate splits at a minimum 20% insertion rate. Official digital Certificates of Analysis are digitally signed and traceable.