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

[@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!

[@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 🙏😢

[@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!

[@the4thj]

OH! Cody's LAB mention! SO COOL!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@bmeetze]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

yes he is

[@กันญาดาพิชญศิริกุล]

Wow very good job 👍👍

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@handsomemarco29]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@tradermunky1998]

Cool stuff! Thanks!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks you Trader Munky

[@gadzee506]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

My pleasure!

[@sandua51]

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

[@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!!!

[@johnkruk6929]

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

[@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 😊

[@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

[@Mikefestiva]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

My pleasure!

[@Gravity4220]

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

[@McFunnyBone]

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

[@glennplatvoet7111]

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

[@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

[@TheGhostQuarter]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@jamiecurran3544]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@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

[@wamlartmuse]

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

[@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 👍

[@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..👍⛏️

[@chickensrcool67]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@glentimmins7560]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 !

[@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...

[@القادمصادم-و4ك]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Washman-jw3hl]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@joewatson5226]

How's it going Jeff? I been sick for a few years and haven't watched anything gold related because I thought I was done. I am not and I am glad to see your still making videos and teaching others new things and ideals. 😊

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks and glad to hear you are ok

[@joewatson5226]

@@Askjeffwilliams Thank you Jeff I appreciate that.

[@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.

[@jimmime]

Thank you, Doctor Jeff, & Lila!

[@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

[@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.

[@slopoke1012000]

thanks Jeff, this was one of your best videos.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks David

[@LOSTMINERSGOLD]

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

[@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.

[@Dick_Dynamite69]

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!

[@DJDOUBLEWIDE]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@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

[@joshuajackson6442]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@edsmachine93]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Thanks 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@craigschiller1599]

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

[@robertreynolds2421]

Great video, Jeff. Thankyou. Really appreciate your vast mining and geology knowledge. I finally bought and used a similar retort like yours, but an unvented model. Should have used 2 torches!! Lol. I've read much about the potato amalgamation. Great to watch both first hand. I save all of my merc. in a plastic bottle with water marked. In case it is ever dropped. Been watching a long time. Thankyou.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Very cool! thanks and really appreciate that

[@iakazul]

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

[@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!

[@rodneyhenshall7778]

Loved the Video, always educational and enjoyable to watch.

[@I.Live4oldcars.prospecting]

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

[@a.sangrador112]

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

[@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.

[@lewisweeks6150]

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

[@black.squirrelz.oracle]

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

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Jeff that was as detailed as it gets. You really went through the stages of Safely, using mercury in all the various processes. Even so I'd recommend anyone trying mercury for the first time to have an experienced person walk you through it. If you do start to make a mistake it's best have them explain what you should do before it becomes a problem. And I've read about miners using potatoes before but never had any opportunity to actually see how they did it. Do you have a USB port? I'd love to download your knowledge!! But I'll settle for watching your videos....I guess. Thank You for everything you are teaching us fledgling gold hounds. 👍

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks B&EFF&T...... exactly ....last thing you want is a Mercury spill.....so hard to clean up .... yes I do but have to keep it PG hahhahahahha...... you betcha my friend

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

@@Askjeffwilliams I shoulda known I'd get a response like that from you!! 🤣🤣🤣👍 You're Awesome Buddy!! 👍

[@IshwarasaMerawade]

​@@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756😅 10:21

[@GSProspecting]

Loads of great info fam. Great job all around. I might try melting down some Au. Never did it. But I got to try 😂. Keep on having fun and living the dream fam. I always have a blast coming by. Gold Squad Out!!!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks GS

[@billdgen116]

Very interesting my friend. Potatoes looked yummy

[@alexanderraymond4634]

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

[@justinwhisenhunt2661]

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

[@justme-gj1wm]

Do you think you could do a video that shows close up and discusses the silvery and yellowish silver heavies in the pan when dealing with hard rock ore and how to separate it out from the gold and how to tell what is gold and what is that other heavy stuff ?

[@ramrodfishingoutdoors8155]

Very interesting Jeff about the potato trick, and I would like to complement you on your knowledge of prospecting and keeping the dream alive. I just wish I were younger and could get around better so I could get out there and prospect with you. Keep up the good work my friend until next time. 🔫👍🤠

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thank you for that .....

[@rudolfyakich6653]

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

[@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!

[@legitan9195]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@mikestevens1502]

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

[@grassroot011]

Wow, that was interesting you bet., Thanks Jeff

[@holyarni]

Jeff mentionning Cody! im happy.

[@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

[@ibTeeMac]

I would have used a BIGGER KNIFE but that's just me lol. This was a KILLER video full of amazing information and helpful NUGGETS. Awesome as always... thnx JEFF

[@bunnieswithguns1297]

🤣🤣was thinking the same thing. He needs something bigger than just that tiny pocket knife he was using.🤣🤣

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thats not knife....now thats a Knife ahhaahhahaaaa

[@rogergriffin9893]

Informative as always. Thanks, Jeff.

[@robertmoskau1297]

Thank you for the lesson Jeff!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha Robert

[@kristomatos]

Thanks Jeff,glad I asked!😊

[@1949ala]

Very informative, thanks for the very good job

[@dasssjam7413]

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

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@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

[@georgescott249]

always great videos==thanks for sharing

[@jamesderynck1219]

thats some knife you got there seems lot of work they did love your videos'