Since gold waste is produced in different sources, it is important to treat properly this material, and the key point to start is the classification and collection of the material. Some persons have strongly recommended mixing this class of waste with the ordinary floor-sweep system to which, other object this idea because this description of waste is generally very rich in gold; and it would be a difficult task to incorporate it properly with so large a quantity as the ordinary sweep usually consists of, so as to realize its utmost value. For this reason part of its value would be lost to the manufacturing jeweler and goldsmith.
For this reason it is important to pay more than ordinary attention to this point, with a view to economize and reduce the waste to which jewelers are subjected. The metallurgist must pay interest in the trade, that there should be three separate and distinct processes of treatment for the recovery of gold from this waste, refuse. The first should have reference to lappers cotton waste, and the sediment which accumulates in the polishing and scratching-boxes, with all other waste of a similar description. The second should relate to the wash-hand waters, old pickling solutions, spent coloring mixture, and rinsing waters, together with the washing and swilling waters, employed in the establishment for every purpose.
Other important point comprises the general sweep that is, the sweepings from the floors of the different workshops in the manufactory, the old worn-out crucibles, the ashes and cinders from the various furnaces employed, and the dirt and refuse of every conceivable kind which is at all worth preserving. The dross from the fluxes employed in melting should be separately preserved. This may again be put through the fire when a sufficient quantity has been collected, and a compact little lump of gold will invariably be the result. If preferred, instead of troubling with the latter process, it may be sold to the refiner separately. The waste products of manufacturing jewelers are usually collected and treated in this manner.
It is important to mention that the dusty material may be processed by various kinds of treatment in the different workshops of this country, everyone claiming to employ the best method for its recovery. There is, however, a great deal yet to be learnt before the economical processes belonging to the jeweler trade, have attained perfection; at least, so far as some houses are concerned. In some establishments the operators are allowed to weigh-in their dust in a most dirty state, which is, containing a considerable amount of organic matter; the usual allowance for loss in working being granted, it operates injuriously against the economy of the business arrangements. Such conditions are certainly in favor of the operators, but they encourage a tendency to exercise less care than is right for the property and welfare of their employers. There are, however, better methods than these, which may be put into operation without inconvenience.