A lixiviant is a chemical used in hydrometallurgy to extract elements from its ore.[1][2] One of the most famous lixiviants is cyanide, which is used in extracting 90% of mined gold. The combination of cyanide and air converts gold particles into a soluble salt. Once separated from the bulk gangue, the solution is processed in a series of steps to give the metal.[3]
Etymology[edit]
The origin is the word 'lixiviate', meaning to leach or to dissolve out, deriving from the Latin lixivium.[4] A lixiviant assists in rapid and complete leaching, for example during in situ leaching. The metal can be recovered from it in a concentrated form after leaching.
Further reading[edit]
- Laughlin, Robert B. (June 2009). "In Situ Leach (ISL) Mining of Uranium" (PDF). Introduction to the Physics of Energy PH240 - Fall 2010. Stanford University. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
References[edit]
- ^ American Institute of Mining Engineers (1917). Transactions of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, Volume 49. Princeton University: The Institute. p. 617.
- ^ Mular, Andrew; Halbe, Doug; Barratt, Derek, eds. (2002), Mineral Processing Plant Design, Practice, and Control Proceedings, Vancouver, Canada: Society of Mining Engineers, p. 1631, ISBN 0-87335-223-8
- ^ Renner, Hermann; Schlamp, Günther; Hollmann, Dieter; Lüschow, Hans Martin; Tews, Peter; Rothaut, Josef; Dermann, Klaus; Knödler, Alfons; Hecht, Christian; Schlott, Martin; Drieselmann, Ralf; Peter, Catrin; Schiele, Rainer (2000). "Gold, Gold Alloys, and Gold Compounds". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. doi:10.1002/14356007.a12_499. ISBN 3527306730.
- ^ The New English Dictionary
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction