Fire Assay Crucibles
Product Overview
Assay houses (otherwise known as assay offices) are organisations dedicated to testing the purity of precious metals such as gold, silver, and the platinum group metals (PGMs), ensuring that products conform to legal requirements for purity, and issuing relevant hallmarks.
Ceramic refractory crucibles play a crucial role in the fire assaying of precious metals. Crushed ore samples are mixed with fluxes, a carbon source and powdered lead oxide in a refractory crucible. The crucible and mixture will then be placed inside a furnace and heated to around 1150°C (2100°F). A series of chemical reactions will separate the metal from its impurities, allowing it and its impurities to be measured and its purity to be calculated.
IPS Ceramics supply refractory crucibles to assay houses worldwide, plus many companies recovering precious metals from electronic waste and other waste streams. Made from cordierite, they easily stand the temperatures required for assaying. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, ensuring they fit your particular setup perfectly.
Find out how our expert team and products can help your assaying needs by making an enquiry on our Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you.
Technical Information
Products | Pouring Cups | |||
Composition | ||||
Minerology | Cordierite Mullite | |||
Al₂O₃ | 28% | |||
SiO₂ | 67% | |||
Fe₂O₃ | 1.5% | |||
Other | 3.5% | |||
Properties | ||||
Max. Service Temp. | 1150°C / 2100°F | |||
Bulk Density | 1.95 g/cm³ | |||
Open Porosity | 23% | |||
Modulus of Rupture (room temp.) | 20 MPa | |||
Modulus of Rupture (1250°C / 2280°F) | 15 MPa | |||
Thermal Expansion (20-1000°C / 70-1830°F) | 3.2 x10⁻⁶/K | |||
Specific Heat Capacity | 1.0 kJ/kg.K | |||
Thermal Conductivity | 1 W/mK |
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For more information, or to make an order, email us at enq@ipsceramics.com . |