Placer Gold Smelting: Revealing the Secret Art of Using Potato and Mercury

[@Askjeffwilliams]

The Old Timer's used Potato's and Mercury to melt down and refine their Gold. We show you how they did it plus tips on how to use Mercury the proper way and where to sell your Gold after you make Gold button's. If you want to learn about the secrets of Gold Geology then watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGnYmGOlgJKIfqM

[@bunnieswithguns1297]

Next time I go prospecting I am stopping by McDonalds for an extra large fry. Gonna get so freaking rich....... Just wondering If the sodium chloride will make my gold taste bad. Nothing worse than salty tasting Gold.

[@me5768]

The old hoist for that mine is no longer in existence, but I’ll keep my ears open and see if I can find you one. Sorry it wasn’t out there.

[@GimmeOo-mox]

I like Cody's Lab too. It's a great channel. I highly recommend it, especially if you like science.

[@joesguiltyguitar]

Not many people now in days can be wise as the old timers was ...

[@uwillnevahno6837]

Never go full potato unless there's shiny in them thar hills!

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Jeff I learned a lot from this one video. I had no idea what the process involved. It seems like a lot of tedious work to get such a small reward in the amount of gold you acquire. But I do know gold is very expensive in weight! Thank you for taking the time to show the sequence of events! Outstanding Sir! I would love to go try panning for gold. It seems like fun and rewarding too. Thank you once again!

[@the4thj]

OH! Cody's LAB mention! SO COOL!

[@davidvasko6300]

My wife calls you her Bacon and Beans Miner. We never miss an episode You make us much better prospectors/miners Thank You.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

That is awesome!

[@Popashistory]

Good safety built in to this video, thank you. Us old timers used to put the amalgam in the potato, roast the potato and then remove the gold button. Then we would put the potato into a pot of water and mash it thoroughly and the mercury would collect in the bottom of the pot. Re-use it and away you go. Not very clean mercury but still works. The even older timers would hold the mercury in their mouths while they were panning. Spit it into the pan and then put it back in their mouths for the next pan. None of them had any teeth for some reason.

[@กันญาดาพิชญศิริกุล]

😢 please from Google please 🙏😢

[@ahilker1]

Jeff, when my father died due to complications with covid, I thought I was alone. Your videos documenting the experience with your own father told me otherwise. I will always appreciate you.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

they are always with us and we will see them again my friend ....really glad we could do that for you

[@chris2790]

@@Askjeffwilliams Do you really believe that and why? Why would they be with us and how do we know we see them again?

[@koltoncrane3099]

Chris2790 Most religions talk about each person having a spirit. But even if you’re atheist and a scientist listen to some physicists. A lot of scientists I’ve listened to say they believe we’re in a simulation. Look at what Einstein called spooky magic. Electrons behave one way but once you measure and observe them in the one experiment they literally changed behavior and paths showing particles like electrons are conscious. It’s weird spooky magic. So even lots of scientists that aren’t religious don’t think we die and then our consciousness stops to exist.

[@DRUMnBLESSed]

@@chris2790 Look up "Near Death Experience's Heaven and Hell"..we live in a day and age with the internet where so many people tell their side of what they saw when they died and were resuscitated or just came back to life, some up to almost an hour after they were pronounced dead. Over and over GOD shows Himself to HIS creation, through HIS creation. look around, this place is not an accident. Its a design. you are loved more then you know. its not about going to church, its about believing Jesus is who HE says HE is and that GOD raised HIM from the dead. you dont have to be good enough then go to GOD (none of us are), just go to HIM, HE will work out the rest. Peace be with you.

[@amyhepker9025]

Back when I was in 6th Grade (I am now 67) the science teacher brought out a glass gar with Mercury in it, we each got to hold the Mercury without the jar ( to feel the weight of it). Well, I am here to say, I am still alive. It gets me the way they talk about Mercury these days.

[@grassroot011]

Yep. They did that to us too in Grade School. 1950 or so. Rolled the stuff around in our hands. But now our "gummint" is doing much worse to us and that purposeful! In our water, food and much else. Pharmaceuticals ! JA !

[@Askjeffwilliams]

@@grassroot011 bingo

[@HiwasseeRiver]

I'm old AF too. Quarters were silver back then and we would dip them in Hg and that would shine them up. The thermostat in the house had a mercury switch.

[@troygunter1600]

1975 Harley Davidson FLH Electraglide had a mercury switch burglar alarm in the back number plate

[@willnelson7621]

My uncle used to bring abt 25 ups murcury home and I played with it!wish I had it all now

[@korndog61]

codys lab shoutout made me happy have been watching him for ages

[@Askjeffwilliams]

we have too

[@dionh70]

So interesting to see the evolution of Jeff Williams down through the years in the various clips.

[@handsomemarco29]

Amazing info. Never thought that it was this much involved and Process to refine gold ...Thanks for sharing .

[@bmeetze]

I am so happy you promoted Cody’s Lab! That’s a great channel!!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

yes he is

[@markvolker1145]

Jeff, you should do a entire video on sulfide ore.. what to look for, where to look for it and how to recover it

[@Askjeffwilliams]

great idea

[@القادمصادم-و4ك]

حبذا لو تكون الحلقات مترجمة للعربية كتابيا يا جيف اشكرك انت انسان مجتهد

[@กันญาดาพิชญศิริกุล]

Wow very good job 👍👍

[@mostcom]

When dad was a kid he told me that they used to rub mercury onto pennies with their fingers. That was in the late 1920s to early 30s.. Recently when speaking about it again he reminded me that they didn't know it was dangerous. He seemed reasonably healthy and very smart till the day he passed at 98 years old.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

mercury is very safe to handle as long as you don't have open wounds....but the fumes are what get you

[@sandua51]

We did it in the 1960s too. Really works well on the real silver dimes and quarters!

[@HiwasseeRiver]

My dad work with PCBs in electric transformers. Dropped dead at 87. He was Vaxed - just saying!

[@tinadelwiche416]

Thanks to you and Lila for the hands on demonstration !!! Working with extreme heat and harsh chemicals takes sheer knowledge on what one is doing. The old timers knew there stuff. One had to back then because you could not survive long. Thanks again. 😊😊😊

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Our pleasure Tina

[@georgescott249]

my dad loved your videos=jeff you are one of the few people in this world that could make my dad to laugh,he would laugh alot

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks George , really happy to hear that ....sometimes I can make Slim laugh to

[@georgescott249]

@@Askjeffwilliams slim is cool dad even liked slim too,he thought slim was very fun

[@sandua51]

I have heard of and read about the potato technique, That was the first time I have seen it demonstrated. Well done!

[@nuggetnateprospecting3197]

Just when I thought I had platitude with my prospecting you just gave me more to learn thank you I was starting to get bored with prospecting I always find gold everytime I go I guess I'm more into the chase and challenges of finding it and the history and processes of it, thank you again for the video and knowledge you share

[@Askjeffwilliams]

exactly .....its always about the hunt .....not having it ....... you betcha

[@kerzwhile]

Been watching Cody for years. When you stated talking about mercury and it's safety I immediately thought of him!! Excellent video Jeff!! As usual!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@GilgoldProspecting]

Greetings Jeff... Gilgold Prospecting San Antonio Tx....where every day is a Gold'n Day.. an old fellow Prospector 42yrs ago showing me that. Wow the memories. Good job Jeff 😊

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks GPDA Texas

[@gadzee506]

Jeff the knowledge you share is incredible thank you for covering everything in depth

[@Askjeffwilliams]

My pleasure!

[@kevina-azbackcountryexplor1413]

That was awesome Jeff! I always heard about the potato trick but had never seen it in action. Out of all of the smelting videos I have watched, this video filled the gaps in the knowledge I was missing. Thank you once again for a highly informational video!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Gravity4220]

Its amazing how we figured this stuff out in our spair time Jeff, aint nothing like gold and baked potatoes 😂

[@beverly7192]

My Dad had 5 claims in Placer County. I am to this day amazed. You mentioned potatoes I remember that being mentioned. That brought back memories so thank you

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@McFunnyBone]

Stoked Cody is getting a shout out! I still remember when he tried to flush a toilet that was full of mercury.

[@johnkruk6929]

You are Good ! Mr Jeff Williams . Thank you for Passing on / sharing your Knowledge & Experience. Truely Enjoyed your u tube presentation .

[@xyzabc4574]

I like this one because your energy level is spot on. Not as much hollerin' and shouting the same fart smeller joke as usual. This is a good thing.

[@wamlartmuse]

Awesomeness!! He mentioned Cody's lab! Cody is awesome.

[@glennplatvoet7111]

Glad this video came up again it was good to watch thanks for sharing this with us all jeff

[@tradermunky1998]

Cool stuff! Thanks!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks you Trader Munky

[@theroguescientist3692]

I live in the mountains of NC and do a lot of prospecting in the rivers. About 50% of the gold I find is mercury gold from the old timers back in the 1800's. Enjoyed your video!!!

[@jimmime]

Thank you, Doctor Jeff, & Lila!

[@johngaltman]

When I was in high school I was the chemistry lab assistant, and the teacher would show the classes mercury and its properties quite often, we actually played with it for a bit, to demonstrate its properties, and then he explained what Mad Hatters Disease was and how it came from long term exposure to mercury fumes...

[@Washman-jw3hl]

Great show here Jeff. Super educational. Now that's enough school for one week. Let's GOOOOÓOO !!!!!!! get some gold.

[@richardbeee]

Another noteworthy idea is when you amalgamate sulfide ore is to add stump remover or potassium nitrate, often solstice as saltpeter in drug stores to oxidize the ore while amalgamating it.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Hi Richard...... very good idea ..... thanks for the tips.... need you back out at the mine my friend

[@Freeprawn]

Awesome video Jeff, thank you. I’ll never get to do this myself but it’s great watching someone with awesome knowledge like yourself show us how to do it, just in case 😊

[@barry7608]

Thanks glad you spoke the reality/truth re mercury! I’ve played with several K’s of Hg since my teenage years. Even been tested for absorption…negative ! And it’s because like you the mercury MUST be kept clean…Hg vapour and compounds ARE dangerous. Enjoyable and informative video thanks

[@glentimmins7560]

That was very cool👖I will have to try the potato thing! thanks for the awesome demo!⛏️⛏️⛏️

[@josephpecoul6532]

Cody's Lab is a favorite of mine

[@Askjeffwilliams]

mine too

[@bencarlyle2155]

​​​@@Askjeffwilliams please I'm begging you! Collaborate with Cody. Jeff and Jason for the smelting and table TVR, . Jason and A.F.P. ( best cam work) for the exploring I know they are busy but Nobody is harder than Sharron and Mike! Super colab! As Tony Beets would say... Make it happening A.S.P.!

[@bencarlyle2155]

I also like Western mine detective . He's good at documenting

[@LUCKYB.]

I mentioned doing this what 4 or 5 years ago . LoL thanks Jeff . Never got tired watching that

[@Askjeffwilliams]

yes you did .....and here it is hahahhaahaa

[@davekrochenski]

Precisely why I watch your vids Jeff... If the market pukes, know where the gold is. On the knowledge worth and value scale, I'd say you points are off the charts.

[@HiwasseeRiver]

Vodka is also tradeable.

[@chickensrcool67]

Fantastic job, knocked it out of the park! Thanks Jeff!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@LOSTMINERSGOLD]

Jeff I love this video, excellent information and content. Heavy pans to you sir.

[@Hairytoe1]

I found your channel from Cody's Lab. I've been a fan of both of you for years.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thats great ....love watching Cody ....he is super smart and could teach at a University

[@Mikefestiva]

Fantastic video Jeff! Thanks man, we really appreciate your informative videos 😊👍

[@Askjeffwilliams]

My pleasure!

[@sonorangreenman4472]

That was amazing! I learn soooo much here. THanks Jeff

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@allansgoldmining]

I remember using similar amalgamation techniques to process our lode gold. However, the potato thing I've never seen before. Gee whizz, learn something new every day ! BTW, we use to play with Mercury all the time when we were kids. As long as you didn't ingest it, and washed your hands afterwards, it was OK. Yeah, the liquid silver had a bad rap today !

[@Askjeffwilliams]

we did to Allan ...back then Mercury was ok to mess with ...could tell you stories about making mercury fulminate with it in Chemistry class

[@allansgoldmining]

@Ask Jeff Williams haha ! Would love to hear those stories some day. Lol !

[@joshuajackson6442]

Jeff, so glad that you passing on gold hacks from the old timers!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@craigschiller1599]

Thanks for this, read in a book years ago but could never find article again.

[@robs9574]

Outstanding video! I have a couple buckets of tabled black sand cons. That first 3” or so off the M-7 table. I’ve just left them stacked in my shed as I was stuck on the next steps. Thank you 👍

[@PavelZajec]

That retort looks like a miniature version of the one on my family's property. It was very large and was used to cook the mercury out of the cinnabar mined there.

[@georgehuesler9561]

It never ceases to amaze me how much mercury I find at our local dump. Idiots find it while cleaning out some dead miner's house, assume its dangerous, and throw it away! I take it home, retort it, and add it to the collection. I've got about half pint of the stuff and didn't pay for a drop of it! And by the way, Jeff, you can boil the mercury right out of the collection chamber on the retort. I do it all the time so I don't have to make amalgam out of it. Its also very helpful to make a little heat shield from an old bean can to fit over the retort. It helps keep the heat in so it can boil easier.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@philmcadaragh3703]

Jeff, I've been watching and learning every chance I get. I'm originally from the black hills of South dakota. I'm now in south central Texas with gold around me 😢. Love your vids!!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@a.sangrador112]

I can't believe it's that easy to refine amalgamated gold! 😯🤯

[@edsmachine93]

Very good information Jeff. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy the content. Take care, EM

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Thanks 👍

[@lewisweeks6150]

Thank you I am learning a lot from your videos as always amazing show

[@justinwhisenhunt2661]

Thanks Jeff. I am a hobbyists and never thought of this.

[@TheGhostQuarter]

Hey Jeff glad to see you're still around and doing well.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@iakazul]

Thank you for sharing Jeff! Another great video on what to do with the gold on e it’s out of the ground.

[@billdgen116]

Very interesting my friend. Potatoes looked yummy

[@gopro_audio]

Hi Jeff, Love your work. Here is why the old timers used wire around a potato. First, a heated wire coil can create a mini magnetic field which the gold as a super conductor wants to stay in. Next, spike the potato with iron nails to remove iron sulfides from your ore and flux. Thanks to David Hudson's patents for the info.

[@rtqii]

I have used the 12lb Lortone rock tumbler to mill black powder using brass pellets. Jeff you are certainly a master of the art of gold. I have learned sooooo much from your channel.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks you Richard

[@shawns9221]

Very interesting video Jeff; seems like a lot of steps to process the gold. I thought it would be much more simpler than that.

[@barry7608]

I would like to add, Hg is recovered in the oil and gas industry, at least here in Australia. As technicians we were often involved with mercury in the refinery process. To be sure Hg vapour was at acceptable levels we had detectors and were monitored. Once inside a bunded wall around a small vessel a mishap had occurred and small beads of Hg could be seen in the cracks and crevices of the concrete floor after the initial clean up. When it hits the ground it goes EVERYWHERE and the air above this splash will be high and dangerous with vapour. Hence the bunded wall…further clean up followed. Be respectful and understand Hg it’s fun stuff IF you are smart enough to look after your health and that of others

[@slopoke1012000]

thanks Jeff, this was one of your best videos.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks David

[@Famo59]

Another educational video Jeff.. You definitely are a SMART FELLA..!! 😀 Thanks 🙏 for sharing your knowledge mate. Cheers Tony..⛏️

[@Askjeffwilliams]

TONY !!!! Thanks my brother from another mother ..always a pleasure and keep us posted on whats going on in the land of Oz

[@Famo59]

@@Askjeffwilliams you bet..👍⛏️

[@rodneyhenshall7778]

Loved the Video, always educational and enjoyable to watch.

[@holyarni]

Jeff mentionning Cody! im happy.

[@black.squirrelz.oracle]

thank you sir,now I have got more knowledge secret tips ^^ from Thailand 😊😊

[@full-panprospecting]

Brilliant video mate and spot on, I've always wanted to try the potato method ever since one of the old timers came up to me while I was panning and told me about it.

[@rudolfyakich6653]

Very interesting. An area of knowledge I had no sense till now.

[@bretrath6073]

Great video Jeff !!!!! Thank you for the refiner information and the old timer information. I never would of thought a potato could do that. I appreciate all the information that you share with us. Your doing a wonderful job. Thank you

[@Askjeffwilliams]

You bet!

[@I.Live4oldcars.prospecting]

Awesome video Jeff. Very interesting. I'm learning alot from you.

[@trelanding]

I'm fascinated with the 4 different kind of Beans! 🫡🫡

[@buscandooroartesanalmentes3823]

Excelente video amigo gracias por compartir amigo saludos desde Colombia

[@Askjeffwilliams]

gracias amigo

[@jeffinphx517]

Great video, Jeff. I'd like to see you and Dan Hurd do a video. The enthusiasm may actually unlock the secrets of alchemy.

[@grassroot011]

Wow, that was interesting you bet., Thanks Jeff

[@slinger6966]

Excellent video, Jeff. I never miss one. This one had really good info.thanks,see ya next time. Maybe I'll tell you guys about a mine we're reopening in Central Washington.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks and we would love to hear about that

[@jamiecurran3544]

I've heard about the potato techniques before but never actually seen it done🤔, great simplified presentation Jeff thanks!😁👍

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@stevenvanames-we2dd]

I've read that back during the gold rush days THEY would rap the amalgamat IN rags and boil it in sulfuric acid (but THAT would relece a lot of vapors

[@mary-ruthflores4107]

I would have like to hear how to dispose of the lye water, potato and the other items use to refine the mercury, maybe another video?? Very much enjoyed this video!

[@1949ala]

Very informative, thanks for the very good job

[@rogergriffin9893]

Informative as always. Thanks, Jeff.

[@georgescott249]

always great videos==thanks for sharing

[@mikestevens1502]

Very good info. Thank you. I am learning a lot from your vids.

[@DJDOUBLEWIDE]

I never knew potatoes could withstand so much heat. I think you about got it done. Enjoyed the video. ❤

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@robertphillips3893]

Jeff Williams Mercury baked potatoes. What a tasty treat!

[@dansummerfield9390]

G'day Jeff, Another awesome upload. You keep raising the bar, love your videos and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Thanks, will do!

[@abrahambankhead359]

I grew up in Utah and I have heard stories of miners using potatoes to mine for gold all my life. I always wanted to see it demonstrated. Now I can really picture those old timers smelting gold buttons out of the ore in the mountains with their potatoes and campfires.

[@deanna_0037]

Mercury? The medical bills will be more expensive than the value of the gold.

[@johnjacobs1625]

Nice!! I saw them use the Potato years ago! Thanks JEFF! Take care buddy! JJ

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Thanks, you too!

[@stilesthissell]

Another great lesson from the master!

[@ZombieCartmanYT]

I have known about this since the early 90's when my dad taught me. You can then take the gold pellet and put it in a leather pouch and beat it against a rock many times to simulate it bumping down a river.

[@alexanderraymond4634]

Always love your video's and education. Also love that you're a fellow metal head 🤣. Listen to metal and look for metal.

[@darebear123]

I just learned something new with a potato 😂😂. Thanks Jeff

[@Nav1gamer]

Dad worked in a zinc mill on a retort. Would bring mercury home in a jar and we would chase it all around with our fingers. The fun came with a magnet. Ewwww slim what a hoot.

[@charlescrampton5119]

T.Y. for the great vids jeff! Blessings n good looking!

[@robertmoskau1297]

Thank you for the lesson Jeff!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha Robert

[@dasssjam7413]

Great stuff jeff thanks to show us how to make gold thanks jeff

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@legitan9195]

thank you for this nice and instructive video ! by the way the decor is superbe !!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks