The extraction of Antimony from its ore

The following photographic documentation of the process of extracting antimony

from its ore. The first group concerns the "liquation", i.e. the preliminary purification
of the antimony ore (stibinite). The second series shows the Separation.

Separation
The following pictures show the main steps of a 'metallurgic' operation which will
provide purified antimony (metal) from its ore.
Although the alchemical operation is very similar (same tools and actions) important
differences exist, mainly concerning the nature of the Prima Materia.
During this "profane" operation, we used purified antimony ore from the Liquation
operation. Other products, i.e. iron (nails) and melting salts came from the
commercial channel. Obviously, a real alchemical operation required much different
products
During this operation iron will react with antimony, Sulphur and the melting salts.
The main reaction will be :

Sb2S3 + 3 Fr ------> 2Sb + 3 FeS

The result of this (non-alchemical again!) reaction will be mainly antimony metal and
scoria of FeS. Tartar and saltspeter will react too, given a complex series of sub
products (KNO2, K2O, KFeO2, KSbO3, ...).
Two purifications will be needed in order to obtain purified antimony which will show
a beautiful star. A yellow vitreous substance will be obtained too (KFeO2).
This picture shows a modern "athanor" build by the French group "Spagy-Nature"
and Patrick Riviere. This kind of furnace is been said to be required for the First
Work of the Dry Path. Charcoal was the traditional fuel but gas is more easy to work
with.

This furnace is made of four main parts :

* The heating chamber (overall dimensions : 510 x 510 x 510 mm). With about 5
litres volume, this part is made of refractory bricks and could be easily removed if
necessary.
* The door. Open, this part could be used as a little table. Closed, the inner profile
of this door has the same shape as the heating part.
* The lower chamber (490 mm high). The purpose of this part is to put the gas
burner to the best position.
* The stand (620 mm high). Heavy duty made, it will be secured to the floor.

Each part could be easily removed and changed. The range of temperature is 150
oC to 1,100 oC with a 1,200 Kcal/h gas burner.

Special attention is required when you'll install the exhaust pipe. You have to work in
respect with safety rules (Check the junction of the pipe with the roof !).
In 1988, the price was 9,500 F (VTA included).
This furnace is in fact more "romantic" than useful. My opinion is this furnace is too
heavy. Important savings in materials will be certainly possible. Another drawback is
the small volume of the heating chamber.
Only one crucible (diameter between 40 and 110 mm) can be used in the same
time.
A low pre-heating is required in order to dry crucibles and all parts of the furnace.
Meanwhile, the ore (in power), the iron (in little ships for instance) and melting salts
are mixed.

Using a long spoon, the mixture is poured in small amounts. Beware the toxic
fumes.
All the mixture is now in the crucible. The top part of the crucible is put in place.

Using long fire tongs, the crucible is now removed from the furnace.
The liquid is now poured in a heated mould. Note: for this operation a cylindrical one
would be more convenient. A conical mould is required for the following operations.

The help of Pernelle will be certainly welcome.

The operation is finished. Using a hammer, scoria will be easily detached. The result
is a little ingot of metal which required to be purified again.