For maximum sensitivity and precision on trace and low-level silver an acid digest is recommended. We offer silver from both aqua regia and four acid digestions. However, depending on the nature of silver from certain projects, nugget effect can be an issue. In this case duplicate analysis may help to detect sampling error at these low levels. For higher grade samples, fire assay may be a preferable choice due to the larger aliquot sizes used for analysis (generally 30g or 50g).
Multiple method options for silver are available and best choice depends on the silver grade and the nature of silver in the sample. Acid decomposition is recommended for low level silver with the choice between aqua regia and four-acid depending on silver occurrence. Fire assay for higher grade or coarse silver samples is suggested.
Options for silver analysis
Code | Analyte | Range (ppm) | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Trace Level | |||
Ag-ICP41 (Ag-AA45) |
Ag | 0.2-100 | Ag by aqua regia digestion and ICP-AES or AAS. 0.5g sample |
Ag-ICP61 (Ag-AA61) |
Ag | 0.5-100 | Ag by HF-HNO3-HClO4 digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES or AAS. 0.25g sample |
Ore Grade | |||
Ag-OG46 (Ag-AA46) |
Ag | 1-1,500 | Ag by aqua regia digestion, ICP-AES or AAS finish. 0.5g sample |
Ag-OG62 (Ag-AA62) |
Ag | 1-1,500 | Ag by HF-HNO3-HClO4 digestion with HCl leach, ICP-AES or AAS finish. 0.4g sample |
Ag-GRA21 Ag-GRA22 |
Ag | 5-10,000 | Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish - 30g sample Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish - 50g sample |
ME-GRA21 | Au Ag |
0.05-10,000 5-10,000 |
Au and Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish. 30g sample |
ME-GRA22 | Au Ag |
0.05-10,000 5-10,000 |
Au and Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish. 50g sample |
Other multi-element methods that report silver are discussed in the Generative Exploration section.
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