After more than 30 years of what seemed to be a continual and unforgiving effort – trying to resolve the problem of “hidden” gold and other heavy elements – it now appears reasonable to state that at my lab, at least on a fundamental level, we have learned not only how to identify these hidden elements, but also how to economically produce them as true metals. Along the way, what a tremendous learning experience! At the beginning we tried every textbook and classical approach available. Some of these approaches were mildly successful, but, to coin a metaphor, it was like trying to kill a fly with a 20 pound sledge hammer!
Beginning in the 1980’s, a surge of research was initiated which involved the application of cluster andcatalytic chemistry to the manufacturing of industrial catalysts and electronics. After realizing that this area of science might be applied to solving my difficulties with naturally occurring, “hidden” heavy elements, I began with what turned out to be a long term study of clusters and colloids. The potential applications of these fields to geochemistry, which is one of my areas of interest, turned out to be absolutely phenomenal. It is currently my intent to make a few changes with this website layout in an attempt to further extend its use as an aid in the study of portions of earth and allied sciences where uncharacterized and unrecognized nanoparticles might potentially play a significant role.
In the meantime, we will continue running alternate, single-element, 40 gallon batches of Au and Pt in our laboratory pilot system and, with time, extend this production program to include precursor-type Pd and Rh.
A.C.J. (4.3.12)
NEW CONCEPTS IN GEOLOGY: MODIFIED PARADIGMS, NEW MINERAL RESOURCES, AND INNOVATIVE AND “GREEN” MINERAL PROSPECTS
The purpose of this website is to introduce new and innovative concepts that largely pertain to the geological sciences, especially to exploration methodology. These rather unique observations and applications borrow heavily on published research from the fields of colloidal chemistry, cluster chemistry, and heterogeneous catalysis. These general areas of study are frequently considered as not being particularly applicable to geologic problems involving the exploration for oil and gas and mineral deposits. It is here hopefully intended to integrate some of these new concepts with those of contemporary earth sciences.
The following sections describe, in general terms, the widespread occurrence and distribution on this earth of less than bulk metal size clusters of transition elements that are strongly bonded to particles of amorphous colloidal silica (a.c.s.). This presence is the fundamental basis for understanding various a.c.s. related precious element occurrences, their exploitation, as well as a pathway for the development of numerous new and valuable mineral prospects.
During much of this project I have used commercially available SEM (scanning electron microscopy) coupled with EDS (electromagnetic dispersive spectrometry) as one of many tools to guide my research. The SEM “takes highly magnified pictures” and the EDS provides “analytical information.” Since I can’t see clusters and molecules with a conventional microscope, their presence is postulated within research models that I have developed. However, with a low power microscope I have observed numerous instances of system-produced gold and other precious metal particles from our production system that appear to be constructed from “ultrafine” spheroids of metal. Structurally, these particles were nugget-like, pelletal, spheroidal and sheet-like. These and other observations observations led to the conclusion that with this physiochemical system the general process of coagulation and nucleation most likely involves small, spheroidal clusters of the like-element precious metal. While performing SEM/EDS scans on high-grade gold concentrates derived from altered geologic material, it was noted that all of the observed Au particles appeared to be constructed of very small, agglomerated, spheroidal particles (clusters) of gold. Using high-definition SEM, not only could it be clearly seen that these dry gold particles were constructed from very small gold spheroids, but actual 3-D gold spheroids could easily be observed adhering to the surface of the larger gold particle. EDS measurements indicate that these spheroids are entirely composed of gold. SEM measurements of the diameter of these spheroids are in the nanometer range which is good evidence that they are, in fact, clusters of gold serving as the basic building unit of larger particles. See thumbnail photographsbelow.
Photo #1:SEM photo showing gold concentrates from altered geologic material processed for gold content. Color added by gray density process. Note that when enlarged the gold particles all have a bumpy or dotted-like surface.
Photo #2: SEM photo of one of the gold particles from photo #1, isolated and enlarged. Note presence of well defined spherical gold particles.
Photo #3: SEM photo. Gold particle in photo #2 greatly enlarged. Spheroidal gold clusters apparent. Spheroidal nature of building units of gold particle obvious.
Photo #4: High definition SEM photo. Greatly enlarged surface of gold particle shown in Photo #2.
Photo #5: Au separation line on Action Mining Services, Inc. M-7 gravity table. Geologic source material is from altered organic sediments. The Au particles size ranges to less than 1000 mesh and is from the same material as the above SEM images.
Photo #6: Digital image showing fine-grained brown Au powder recovered as a final product from Au concentrates similar to those portrayed in Photo #5 above. This brown Au powder in in excess of 90% pure Au.
Not a bad way to beat the current economic recession!
A. C. Johnson, Jr., PhD 7750 E. Evans Road Suite #3 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Tele: 480-363-1602 e-mail: acjohnsonjr@yahoo.com
