Identify some igots ?

[randyrat]

I have a chance to buy some ingots about 15-20 from my local scrap dealer about 5 lbs each. I always get first crack at most lead. My question is these ingots are closer to 4.5 lbs and they say; ASARCO and CORPUS they have a real "TING" sound to them anybody have any idea what they are. They are heavy enough to be some sort of lead alloy.

[whisler]

I think that ASARCO is American Smelting And Refining Company or something close. I think they were/are a lead and zinc refiner IIRC.

[jhrosier]

Probably zinc.

according to this article, Asarco produced zinc at its' Corpus Cristy facility.

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/LL/dkl1.html

Jack

[cohutt]

If you buy a couple to test don't use your good pot and ladle.

Just sayin.......[smilie=b:]

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/cohutt/funkyalloy9907005.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/cohutt/funkyalloy9907009.jpg

[randyrat]

Ahhh good advice. I would just melt and test the stuff if i had an extra pot. They were going to try and find out what it is and let me know. I looked up the company and found out they sell lots of different alloys and elements so it's a crap shoot. I hate to pass it up because i can get it for .10/lb. it may be worth buying another pot just for testing. How would i test for Zink (temp)? I think it melts at or above 700 degs? OHHHH Christmas list is getting bigger...Another smelting pot and thermometer.

[ANeat]

Randy if you know the dimensions and weight you would be able to figure out if its a lead alloy or Zinc without heating it up.

[deltaenterprizes]

Can you scratch it with a #2 lead pencil?

[imashooter2]

How would i test for Zink (temp)?

Buy some muriatic acid at the hardware store. Place a drop on the suspect ingot. Zinc will react and bubble quickly. Lead much slower and less vigorous.

[Freightman]

Worked at ASARCO Zink smelter in Amarillo in the 60's the plates we molded were 55# slabs, or 1500# chunks. We did have some lead that come out at the re-melting of the zink that was off spec. we molded them in 4.5/5# moulds.

[randyrat]

Yep these were 4.5 lbs...Do you think they were contaminated with zink

[johnly]

I have a chance to buy some ingots about 15-20 from my local scrap dealer about 5 lbs each. I always get first crack at most lead. My question is these ingots are closer to 4.5 lbs and they say; ASARCO and CORPUS they have a real "TING" sound to them anybody have any idea what they are. They are heavy enough to be some sort of lead alloy.


Randy,

If you can get a small chunk of the material I can analyize it for you.

John