Assaying of gold is one of the most critical steps in alloy manufacturing.  The accuracy and precision of gold analysis carry serious implications that relate to such issues as legal compliance, metal control, refining and accounting.  Some of the factors that affect the results of gold analysis are inherently associated with the assaying technique; some are the function of the alloy makeup and alloying procedure.  Recently, such techniques as titration, optical and X-ray spectroscopy have gained recognition as analytical tools for measuring gold content in gold alloys and jewelry articles.  Fire assaying, however, still remains the most precise and accurate industry standard.  This presentation briefly reviews gold assaying techniques and then focuses on practical limitations, uncertainties and errors in determination of gold by fire assay.

Author: Grigory Raykhtsaum