I used conventional crushing, sieving, magnetic and heavy liquid techniques for separation of zircon. I encountered with problem. Felsic mineral is celsian. How can I separate zircon and celsian?
Specific gravity of zircon: 4.7-4.8
Specific gravity of celsian: 3.1-3.4 (average= 3.25)
Specific gravity of boromform: 2.89
Specific gravity of methylene iodide: 3.32
If you need just few grains of zircon, you may use hand picking under binocular microscope based on zircon crystal form and shape. If you need a complete separation you may use heaver liquids such as Clerici solution (Thallium formate + Thallium malonate) of 4.25 Density in g·cm−3 or Bariummercuriciodide of 3.57 Density in g·cm−3. But use these liquids with caution for their toxicity.
best regards
Either you use the more heavy liquids as mentioned above, or you can also use HCl, as it does not affect zircon but should have significant impact on celsian.
I think there is no alternative to hand picking such samples. However, you will see the success when doing CL-images or EDX.
Good luck!
The heavy mineral separation if done properly should be sufficient.
But in case you are unable to do that please do Iso-dynamic magnetic separation of bromo-heavies which will yield you pure fractions
Hi, you can also use Sodium Politungstate (Heavy Liquid), with this liquid, you can set your heavy lquid at the density you need.
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