The purpose of this analysis
 
Optical Microscopy is used for visually identifying gold in a sample before conducting more expensive analyses such as SEM, fire assay, or ICP. This analysis helps determine whether gold is physically present, so that follow-up testing can be selected more accurately and efficiently.
 
 
 
What Optical Microscopy Answers
 
 
 
This analysis helps answer questions such as:
 
 
 
 
Is gold visually detectable in the sample
 
 
 
 
In what form does the gold exist (free grains, flakes, bound to other minerals)
 
 
 
 
What are the shape, size, and type of the gold
 
 
 
 
Is the gold coarse enough to be visible to the naked eye
 
 
 
 
 
What is analyzed
 
 
 
 
Visually observable gold
 
 
 
 
Shape and morphology of the gold (grains, flakes, aggregates)
 
 
 
 
Relationship of gold to surrounding minerals
 
 
 
 
Texture and distribution of gold on the sample surface
 
 
 
 
 
(This analysis is visual, not a grade analysis)
 
 
 
How the analysis is carried out
 
 
 
 
The sample is observed using optical microscope
 
 
 
 
Magnification is adjusted in steps, up to a maximum of ± 1600×
 
 
 
 
The relevant areas were documented in the form of high-resolution photos
 
 
 
 
These photos were included in the analysis report
 
 
 
 
 
Operational information
 
 
 
 
Turnaround time: variable, up to ± 1600×
 
 
 
 
Duration of work: ± 2–5 business days
 
 
 
 
Terms and conditions apply (sample condition and quality affect results)
 
 
 
 
 
Cost & sample delivery
 
 
 
 
The analysis fee does not include the cost of sending the sample to us.
 
 
 
 
All costs and risks during shipping are borne by sender's responsibility
 
 
 
 
 
Value added services
 
 
 
Optical microscopy provides invaluable preliminary information at a relatively low cost, thereby:
 
 
 
 
Avoiding unnecessary, costly analyses
 
 
 
 
Helps select the most appropriate advanced methods
 
 
 
 
Provides an initial understanding of the nature of the gold in the sample
 
 
 
 
 
When to choose Optical Microscopy
 
 
 
 
If you want to view gold directly before further analysis
 
 
 
 
If you are working with gold suspected of having coarse grains
 
 
 
 
If you want information on the form and type of gold quickly
 
 
 
 
 
Optical Microscopy is not used for
 
 
 
 
Determine the level or economic value
 
 
 
 
Detecting fine or microscopic gold
 
 
 
 
Replacing SEM, Fire Assay, or ICP
 
 
 
 
 
Summary 
 
Optical microscopy enables visual identification of gold at up to 1600× magnification and provides information on the shape, size, and type of gold before further analysis is conducted.