Enhance your mineral testing capabilities with Geo Gems Lab’s advanced physical testing services.
At Geo Gems Lab, we understand that comprehensive mineral analysis goes beyond chemical composition. Our physical testing services provide essential insights into the properties and behavior of minerals, critical for mining, processing, and application. Specializing in Coltan (tantalite) and palladium, our laboratory is equipped with advanced tools and expertise to deliver precise and reliable physical testing results.
Our Physical Testing Capabilities
Density and Specific Gravity
- Pycnometry: Measures the density of solids and liquids with high accuracy, essential for understanding the material’s mass per unit volume.
- Hydrostatic Weighing: Determines specific gravity by measuring the buoyant force experienced by a sample submerged in a fluid.
Hardness Testing
- Mohs Hardness Test: Qualitative test that assesses the scratch resistance of a mineral against ten reference minerals.
- Vickers and Knoop Hardness Tests: Microhardness tests that measure the resistance of a material to deformation under a specific load.
Particle Size Analysis
- Laser Diffraction: Provides precise measurements of particle size distribution, crucial for processing and quality control.
- Sieve Analysis: Separates particles by size using a series of sieves with different mesh sizes, offering a straightforward method for particle size determination.
Thermal Properties
- Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA): Measures temperature differences between a sample and reference under controlled conditions, providing data on phase transitions and thermal stability.
- Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA): Assesses dimensional changes in a material as a function of temperature, essential for understanding thermal expansion behavior.
Mechanical Properties
- Compressive Strength Testing: Determines the material’s ability to withstand compressive forces, important for structural applications.
- Tensile Strength Testing: Measures the resistance of a material to breaking under tension, providing insights into its ductility and toughness.
- Fracture Toughness: Evaluates the ability of a material with pre-existing flaws to resist fracture, critical for assessing durability.
Porosity and Permeability
- Porosimetry: Measures the volume and distribution of pores within a material, essential for understanding permeability and fluid flow characteristics.
- Gas Permeability Testing: Assesses the ease with which gases can pass through a porous material, relevant for applications in filtration and catalysis.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index Measurement: Determines the bending of light as it passes through a mineral, important for identifying and characterizing minerals.
- Colorimetry: Measures the color of a mineral, which can be critical for gemstone quality and identification.
Specialized Testing for Coltan and Palladium
Coltan (Tantalite) Testing:
- Grain Size Distribution: Analyzes the size range of mineral grains, providing insights into the processing and beneficiation of Coltan.
- Magnetic Susceptibility: Measures the degree to which Coltan can be magnetized, aiding in separation processes.
Palladium Testing:
- Wear Resistance: Evaluates the durability of palladium in applications where it is subject to friction and wear, such as in catalytic converters.
- Corrosion Testing: Assesses the resistance of palladium to various corrosive environments, ensuring its longevity in industrial applications.
Quality Assurance
At Geo Gems Lab, quality assurance is paramount. Our physical testing services are conducted in accordance with international standards and best practices. We employ rigorous quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our results. Our laboratory is ISO certified, and our team of experts continuously updates their knowledge to stay at the forefront of physical testing methodologies.
Benefits of Our Physical Testing Services
- Comprehensive Analysis: Detailed assessment of physical properties that impact the processing, application, and performance of minerals.
- Accurate Results: Reliable data that helps in optimizing mining operations, improving material quality, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Expert Interpretation: Access to our team of experienced professionals for in-depth analysis and interpretation of results.
- Timely Reporting: Prompt delivery of test results to support your operational timelines and decision-making processes.
Contact Us
Enhance your mineral testing capabilities with Geo Gems Lab’s advanced physical testing services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mining and mineral processing needs.