Glossary of Mining Terms

 

    
 

                                                                                                                                        

Cupellation

 

In the fire assaying of gold, the sample being tested is placed in a small crucible, or cupel,
(made of bone ash) in which it is heated with lead.

 

The lead and any base metals are oxidized and absorbed into the cupel, while gold, together
with any silver, remains as a metallic button.

  
   
   

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