Silver Analysis

The most appropriate method of analysis for each individual sample supplied will be assessed, based on the Laboratory’s knowledge and technical expertise.

Typical methods of Silver analysis:

• Gravimetric/
  Potentiometric techniques: Used to determine silver in high grade bullion/metallic samples.

• Fire Assay gravimetric technique: Suitable for samples containing a high concentration of silver. However, accuracy is considerably less, due to silver losses that occur during the cupellation process. Simultaneous analysis of proof silver is carried out to quantify these losses, and a correction applied to the recoveries to improve accuracy.

• Potentiometric analysis of silver: Samples are first dissolved and the silver content of the resulting solution determined by a Potentiometric titration (following the principles of ISO 11427).    

• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy techniques (ICP-OES): This technique is suitable for trace levels, or alternatively samples of greater than 999 ppt purity. Fire assay collection procedures for precious metal samples, or acid digestion with an ICP-OES finish, are alternative techniques which can be used for the determination of silver in ores, powders or catalyst samples.