DETERMINATION OF GOLD IN ROCKS & MINERALS BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETRY.

An atomic absorption method for the determination of gold in rocks and minerals is described. The method involves attack of the sample with an aqueous solution of bromine in the presence of ammonium bromide and acetic acid followed by direct aspiration of this solution into the flame for atomic absorption measurements. An alternative method involving solvent extraction of the above solution with methyl isobutyl ketone followed by atomic absorption measurements has also been proposed. The methods are precise and accurate and are suitable for geological exploration work because of their rapidity and operational simplicity.