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Identity HelpUlexite vs. Satin Spar Selenite
24th Oct 2003 18:04 UTCzimmjm
Thanks for your help.
26th Oct 2003 20:56 UTCRob Woodside
26th Oct 2003 22:35 UTCPeter Haas
Remove a bit of the material and grind it to a fine powder. Transfer the powder to a test tube and add some methanol (about twice the volume of the mineral powder), then add A FEW drops of concentrated sulfuric acid (pour it carefully down the wall of the tube). Mix well and heat over a flame. If the mixture boils, try to ignite the vapours escaping from the tube. If borate is present (ulexite), the vapours will burn with a green flame (volatile boric and boronic acid methyl esters). If sulfate (gypsum) is present, nothing happens.
There is no risk of a violent reaction - however, you must wear safety glasses. Also, since methanol is toxic upon inhalation, you must carry out the test in a ventilated room.
Regards
Peter
26th Oct 2003 22:38 UTCPeter Haas
Remove a bit of the material and grind it to a fine powder. Transfer the powder to a test tube and add some methanol (about twice the volume of the mineral powder), then add A FEW drops of concentrated sulfuric acid (pour it carefully down the wall of the tube). Mix well and heat over a flame. If the mixture boils, try to ignite the vapours escaping from the tube. If borate is present (ulexite), the vapours will burn with a green flame (volatile boric and boronic acid methyl esters). If sulfate (gypsum) is present, nothing happens.
There is no risk of a violent reaction - however, you must wear safety glasses. Also, since methanol is toxic upon inhalation, you must carry out the test in a ventilated room.
Regards
Peter
26th Oct 2003 22:38 UTCPeter Haas
Remove a bit of the material and grind it to a fine powder. Transfer the powder to a test tube and add some methanol (about twice the volume of the mineral powder), then add A FEW drops of concentrated sulfuric acid (pour it carefully down the wall of the tube). Mix well and heat over a flame. If the mixture boils, try to ignite the vapours escaping from the tube. If borate is present (ulexite), the vapours will burn with a green flame (volatile boric and boronic acid methyl esters). If sulfate (gypsum) is present, nothing happens.
There is no risk of a violent reaction - however, you must wear safety glasses. Also, since methanol is toxic upon inhalation, you must carry out the test in a ventilated room.
Regards
Peter
27th Oct 2003 14:18 UTCbill
27th Oct 2003 14:21 UTCbill
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Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 23, 2024 15:39:16