blowpiping
blowpiping
A rapid method for the determination of the approximate composition of minerals and ores. Blowpipe tests are merely qualitative; i.e., they indicate the presence of the different constituents, but not the proportions. A blowpipe consists of a plain brass tube capable of producing a flame of intense heat that may be either oxidizing or reducing. Illuminating gas from a Bunsen burner is the fuel commonly used. The color, nature, and smell of
the encrustations suggest the nature of the elements present.
The use of a bent tube with a condensation trap and a small hole to direct one's concentrated breath into a small flame from a gas or alcohol lamp to produce intense heat in both oxidizing and reducing flames for the purpose of soldering metals or of performing qualitative analyses on powdered mineral samples.