Simplified method for determining the bulk and specific gravity of relatively dense ores

Abstract

The known methods of determining the volume and specific gravity of minerals are relatively labor-intensive, require significant time and money, and testing is associated with the availability of certain laboratory equipment. The author of this article set himself the task of finding a more productive method for determining specific gravity that would require a minimum of time and a minimum of laboratory equipment, and the results of the accuracy of such determination should meet practical requirements. The solution of the set problems was carried out when determining the specific gravity of sulfur and copper pyrite ores of the North Karabash deposits. The study was carried out on ores of various mineralogical composition, structural (medium-, fine- and fine-grained varieties) and textural features (massive, banded, disseminated and other ores), i.e. the study covered the entire variety of primary sulfide ores encountered at the deposit. All of the above shows that the method of determining volumetric (without covering samples with paraffin) and specific gravity – by weighing sample pieces in air and in water – is cheap, productive, efficient and accurate.

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