Is Gold Refining Feasible? A Step-by-Step Guide by Dasen Mining

Many customers often ask whether gold refining is feasible. The answer is yes, and in this article, Dasen Mining will guide you through the process of gold selection and extraction. We will also share our insights on the project.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our professional team is always ready to assist you.

Materials Required for Gold Extraction
Handheld heat gun or torch
Borax (used as a flux)
Electronic scale
Small crucible
Glass stirrer  Glass stares
Filter cloth or mesh
Multiple graduated beakers
Electrolyte solution
Diluted nitric acid
Zinc wire
pH test paper
Citric acid
Gold powder or gold-plated material (not recommended to purchase ready-made)

Step-by-Step Gold Extraction Process
Step 1: Stripping the Gold
Mix gold-plated material and gold-stripping powder at a 50:1 ratio in a container. Add hot water and stir. If the gold doesn’t dissolve well, the gold content may be high—add more stripping powder as needed. The material should turn into a golden-colored solution within seconds.

Step 2: Filtering and pH Adjustment
Filter the gold solution to remove impurities using filter cloth or mesh. Rinse with water several times. The solution will be alkaline; adjust the pH using citric acid until the solution becomes acidic. This is necessary for the next chemical reaction.

Step 3: Zinc Replacement
Add fluffy zinc wire into the acidic solution with hot water. Ensure the wire is fully submerged. Over 2–3 hours, the zinc will react with the gold, causing it to precipitate as a dark substance.

Step 4: Precipitation and Purification
Transfer the mixture to a larger container and slowly add the electrolyte to accelerate gold precipitation (also known as sponge gold). Add diluted nitric acid to the gold residue and heat using a melting furnace. After boiling, cool the mixture and rinse thoroughly. Repeat the purification process and add more electrolyte, ensuring it completely covers the gold residue.

Step 5: Melting and Final Refinement
To refine the gold:

Rinse and knead the brown sponge gold until clean.
Add borax as a fluxing agent.
Use a torch to heat the material until it melts completely.
Once cooled, you’ll be left with 99.9% pure gold.

Need Help or Equipment?
If you’re interested in refining gold or purchasing related chemicals and equipment (such as intermediate frequency furnaces), feel free to reach out to us. Our customer service team is here to provide detailed guidance and professional support.

🛑 Important Note:
Always carry out gold refining in a well-ventilated area with proper safety equipment (gloves, goggles, face masks). Misuse of chemicals can be hazardous.