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A Practical Guide to Modern Alchemy: The Art of the Microwave Fire Assay by Peter Moulton — Digital Download
Learn the Fundamentals of Fire Assaying, Fluxing, Cupellation & Precious-Metal Recovery
Explore the science and practice of small-scale precious-metal testing with A Practical Guide to Modern Alchemy: The Art of the Microwave Fire Assay by inventor and prospector Peter Moulton. This detailed yet approachable guide explains traditional and modern fire-assay methods in language that beginning prospectors can understand while still providing the technical information needed by more experienced readers.
Unlike many technical assay manuals written primarily for professional chemists and laboratory personnel, this guide breaks down the principles of fire assaying, crucible fusion, flux selection, cupellation, ore roasting, and precious-metal recovery into clear steps and practical explanations.
The book also introduces the Microwave Gold Kiln and Small Kwik Kiln, two systems designed to process or sample relatively small batches of material without the energy demands and lengthy heating cycles associated with larger conventional furnaces.
Important: This listing is for a digital PDF download only. No printed or physical book will be shipped.
Perfect For
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Gold prospectors
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Small-scale miners
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Precious-metal refiners
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Rock and ore collectors
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Geology enthusiasts
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Assay students
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Microwave Gold Kiln owners
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Small Kwik Kiln owners
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Gold and silver recovery enthusiasts
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Mining-history enthusiasts
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Hobby metallurgists
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Readers interested in modern alchemy
What You’ll Discover
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The fundamentals of traditional fire assaying
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How assay fluxes work during the fusion process
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The theory behind crucible fusion
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Traditional fire-assay fusion procedures
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The purpose and process of cupellation
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Modern microwave fire-assay methods
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How sulfide ores are roasted before processing
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How precious metals are collected and separated
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Causes of precious-metal loss during cupellation
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The importance of proper ventilation
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Essential precautions for working with high-temperature equipment
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How the Microwave Gold Kiln and Small Kwik Kiln are used for small batches
Included Chapters
Section One: Traditional Methods of Fire Assaying
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Chapter 1: Fire Assay Fundamentals
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Chapter 2: Fluxing Fundamentals
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Chapter 3: Theory of the Fire Assay Crucible Fusion
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Chapter 4: The Traditional Fire Assay Fusion Procedure
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Chapter 5: Traditional Cupellation Procedure
Section Two: Modern Methods of Microwave Fire Assaying
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Chapter 6: The Method of Microwave Fire Assaying
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Chapter 7: Roasting Sulfide Ores
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Chapter 8: Microwave Fire Assaying
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Chapter 9: Kiln Cupellation Procedure
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Chapter 10: Cupellation and Precious-Metal Losses
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Chapter 11: Safety Precautions
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Chapter 12: Ventilation
Features
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Written by Peter Moulton
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Covers traditional and microwave fire-assay methods
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Technical information presented in understandable language
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Explains fluxing, fusion, roasting, and cupellation
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Discusses gold and silver recovery from common ores
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Includes important safety and ventilation information
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Suitable for beginning and experienced prospectors
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Convenient digital PDF format
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92 pages
Benefits
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Build a stronger understanding of fire-assay principles
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Learn the purpose of each stage in the assay process
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Better understand how flux formulas affect crucible fusion
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Learn how cupellation separates precious metals from lead
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Recognize potential causes of gold and silver losses
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Improve your understanding of small-batch ore testing
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Keep a searchable reference available on your computer or mobile device
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Begin reading without waiting for a physical book to arrive
Recommended Equipment & Supplies
Complete your small-scale assay setup with:
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Microwave Gold Kiln
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Small Kwik Kiln
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Assay crucibles
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Cupels
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Fire-assay flux
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Crucible tongs
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High-temperature gloves
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Full face shield and safety glasses
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Heat-resistant work surface
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Accurate digital scale
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Properly designed ventilation equipment
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Gold collection vials
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10X Triplet Jeweler’s Loupe
Specifications
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Title: A Practical Guide to Modern Alchemy: The Art of the Microwave Fire Assay
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Author: Peter Moulton
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Format: Digital PDF download
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Pages: 92
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Delivery Method: Sent electronically to the email address provided with the order
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Physical Book Included: No
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Language: English
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Subject: Fire Assaying, Microwave Assaying, Cupellation, Fluxing & Precious-Metal Recovery
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High Plains Prospectors SKU: FAB-bundle
What’s Included
Digital Delivery Notice
This is a digital product only. A physical book will not be mailed or included with your order. After purchase, the PDF file will be delivered electronically using the email address provided during checkout. Please verify that your email address is correct before completing your order.
Important Safety Information
Fire assaying involves extreme temperatures, molten materials, potentially hazardous compounds, and fumes that can cause serious injury or illness. This guide is educational and does not replace proper training, appropriate personal protective equipment, manufacturer instructions, or professionally designed ventilation.
Never use food-preparation equipment for assaying. Perform assay work only with equipment dedicated to that purpose and in a properly equipped workspace. Follow all applicable environmental, occupational, and waste-disposal regulations.
Why Buy From High Plains Prospectors?
At High Plains Prospectors, we understand that identifying the true precious-metal content of an ore sample is an important part of successful prospecting. A Practical Guide to Modern Alchemy gives readers an understandable introduction to the science behind fire assaying while providing enough technical depth to remain a valuable long-term reference. Whether you are learning about fluxes, preparing your first crucible fusion, studying cupellation, or exploring microwave-assisted assay methods, this practical digital guide belongs in your prospecting reference library.
By Peter Moulton - A very thorough yet concise book written by inventor and prospector Peter Moulton. At 92 pages, this book is not like most books about fire assay which typically speak over the average prospector's head. Moulton has done an excellent job giving readers technical specifications for proper noble mineral recovery from a variety of common ores without the reader becoming confused. The book includes information in technical terms and general terms so readers can comprehend the process of melting metals and processing ore through a fire assay. Very helpful information on how to mix fluxes, prepare your crucible, melt gold and silver, and how to stay safe doing it. Additionally, Moulton introduces two pieces of equipment every small scale miner should own: The Microwave Gold Kiln and Small Kwik Kiln. Both machines offer the sampling or melting of small batches of material without expending a tremendous amount of energy or time. This book explains the fundamentals of the fire assay and cupellation process in terms even beginners can understand, but provides enough information for a lifetime. Two thumbs up!"
Contents:
SECTION ONE: A Description of the Traditional Methods of Fire Assaying
Chapter 1. Fire Assay Fundamentals
Chapter 2. Fluxing Fundamentals
Chapter 3. Theory of the Fire Assay Crucible Fusion
Chapter 4. The Traditional Fire Assay Fusion Procedure
Chapter 5. Traditional Cupellation Procedure
SECTION TWO: A Description of the Modern Methods of Microwave Fire Assaying
Chapter 6. The Method of Microwave Fire Assaying
Chapter 7. Roasting Sulfide Ores
Chapter 8. Microwave Fire Assaying
Chapter 9. Kiln Cupellation Procedure
Chapter 10. Cupellation & Precious Metal Losses
Chapter 11. Safety Precautions
Chapter 12. Ventilation
