Gold analysis is inherently challenging due to the uneven distribution of gold, coarse gold particle sizes and the complexity of host mineral matrices. This paper provides guidance on method selection, digestion chemistry, sample preparation, and practical workflow considerations for the effective implementation of ColdBlock digestion in site laboratory environments.
ColdBlock digestion provides rapid, controlled heating for aqua regia digestions, helping laboratories process large sample sets more efficiently than conventional hot plate or block digestion methods.
ColdBlock can process larger sample masses, typically 10–30 g for gold workflows, helping improve representativity and reduce variability caused by coarse or unevenly distributed gold particles.
ColdBlock digestion eliminates the need for lead, high heat, and open flames, providing a safer alternative for site laboratory digestion workflows.
When combined with ICP-MS analysis, ColdBlock digestion supports gold measurement alongside other aqua regia-digestible elements, including Ag, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, Fe, and As.
ColdBlock digestion is well suited for exploration and site laboratories processing repeated samples from well-characterized deposits, where speed, reproducibility, and workflow consistency are essential.
ColdBlock digestion uses controlled heating conditions to improve digestion consistency across sample batches, helping laboratories reduce variability and maintain reliable gold measurement workflows.
The white paper outlines a typical exploration laboratory workflow incorporating ColdBlock digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The process includes sample receipt, drying, grinding and pulverizing, representative splitting, homogenization, ColdBlock digestion, dilution and preparation, ICP-MS analysis, and final data review with quality control.
Gold analysis is challenging because gold can be unevenly distributed within geological samples, especially when coarse particles, sulphide-associated gold, or complex host matrices are present. This white paper provides practical guidance for exploration programs and site laboratories seeking to improve gold digestion workflows while maintaining analytical reliability.
The paper compares established gold analysis methods, including fire assay, Gamma Activation Analysis, traditional aqua regia digestion, and ColdBlock digestion. It explains where ColdBlock aqua regia digestion is most effective, particularly for well-characterized deposits where rapid turnaround, reproducibility, and multi-element analysis are important operational priorities.
By combining larger sample processing, controlled infrared heating, careful digestion chemistry, and ICP-MS analysis, ColdBlock digestion can help site laboratories improve throughput, reduce workflow variability, and support faster decision-making during exploration campaigns.
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ColdBlock Technologies Inc.
4551 Zimmerman Ave
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