Analytical ServicesMorris and Watsons Analytical Services Department (Assay Laboratory) is an integral part of the business. Our mission is to determine and verify the four major precious metals used in the jewellery industry (Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium) which are contained in materials such as dore bars, alluvial gold, jewellery alloys and scraps and jewellery waste called lemels and sweeps. We accomplish this by using internationally accepted procedures of Fire Assay by fusion and cupellation together with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. We also use the latest Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technologies. XRF allows the Assay Laboratory to perform a pre-screening test and quick verification of unknown alloys and lemel samples submitted by customers for refining. This is critical for deciding the correct inquartation with fine silver, prior to actual fire
assaying. Inquartation is the method which ensures the best parting and/or separation of the target
elements, resulting in the accurate determination of the precious metals.
Our offices also have XRF machines so quick checks and confirmations can be done if the material
submitted is suitable to be analysed accurately using XRF.
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The analytical procedures developed and used at Morris and Watson have demonstrated the high standard of precision and accuracy that have given satisfaction and confidence to so many customers over so many years. Proof samples are analysed with every single batch of analysis. To add further confidence in the analysis, replicate samples are analysed, as well as internal check samples, within each batch of determinations. More importantly, all analytical services are performed by professional and highly qualified
Chemists and Chemical Engineers with decades of combined laboratory analysis experience.
To render the most beneficial services to our paying (outside) customers, the Assay Laboratory works
closely with other Departments as our internal customers. We assist the Chain Department in controlling
the plating solutions quality and assaying all externally purchased gold and sterling silver findings.
The caratage in gold and sterling silver chains are verified and tested to ensure adherence to
specifications.
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All gold and silver alloys granulated by the Vault and Fabrication departments, for use by the Casting department, are assayed to ensure compliance with internationally accepted fineness and specific requirements. The largest of the Assay department's internal customer's is the Refinery Department. Frequent chemical analysis is needed to determine the concentration of precious metals at stages of the various refining processes. The weighing, roasting and melting of the different types of materials for refining, follow
international recognised sample preparation techniques, to enable the extraction of a truly
representative sample for analysis. Virtually all main and spent refinery process solutions are
monitored by sampling and assaying.
The assay department also provides accurate analysis in assisting other departments when it comes to
assessing Morris and Watson's environmental compliance.
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