Heavy liquid separation

Heavy separation enables the enrichment of heavy minerals such as zircon and monazite with the aid of a heavy liquid. The LST heavy liquid "Fastfloat" (a Li polytungstate solution, density 2.80 g/mL) from Polytungstates Europe (UK) is used for this purpose. The liquid can be purified and reused and is less toxic than previously used heavy liquids such as bromoform or diiodomethane (or methylene iodide). Heavy separation and wet chemical work is carried out in two fume cupboards.