BORAX METHOD Meaning and
Definition
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The borax method is a technique commonly employed in mining that utilizes borax, a white crystalline powder composed of boron, oxygen, and sodium, to extract gold from ore. This method, also known as the borax gold extraction method, has its roots in small-scale gold mining operations in the Philippines and other developing countries.
To initiate the borax method, the gold ore is first crushed into fine particles. Subsequently, the gold-containing materials are mixed with water and a specified amount of borax, creating a slurry. This mixture is then heated and subjected to high temperatures, melting the gold particles into dense metal beads. Through this process, the borax acts as a flux, enabling the metal to form a molten alloy. The alloy can then be collected and processed further to extract pure gold.
One of the advantages of the borax method is that it is a cost-effective and relatively simple technique for gold extraction. It provides an alternative to more hazardous methods, such as the use of mercury, which can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.
However, it is important to note that the borax method is generally suitable for small-scale and artisanal gold mining operations. Large-scale mining endeavors may require more sophisticated methods to extract gold efficiently. Consequently, the borax method has grown in popularity within the small-scale mining industry, offering a safer and more sustainable approach to gold extraction.
Etymology of BORAX METHOD
The word "borax" comes from the Persian word "burah" or "borak", meaning "white". The term "borax method" refers to a technique that involves using borax, a white mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water, for various purposes.
The use of borax in different applications has a long history. It has been used in traditional medicine, cleaning products, and for various industrial processes. The term "borax method" is often used in specific contexts, such as in mining or metallurgy, where borax is utilized as a flux to extract gold or silver from ores.
The etymology of the phrase itself is straightforward as it refers to the utilization of borax as a method or technique for achieving a particular result.
