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How to Recover Gold From Cable Pins

Gold is in many different electrical items because it is effective in conducting properties. You can recover gold from cable pins with hydrochloric acid, which dissolves the cable pins while the gold remains. This method has worked for centuries to test for real and fake gold. Recovering the gold is a form of recycling. You are helping the environment and at the same time acquiring gold.

Things You'll Need

Protective gloves
Protective clothing
Protective mask
Protective goggles
25-percent hydrochloric acid solution
Heat resistant container
Cable pins
Vinegar

Instructions

- 1
  Wear protective gloves, clothing, mask and goggles when handling hydrochloric acid. Open the windows and doors to provide ventilation in the work area.
- 2
  Pour 1 cup of 25-percent hydrochloric acid solution into a heat-resistant, glass container.
- 3
  Heat the solution using the "Simmer" setting on your stove. Do not boil the solution.
- 4
  Remove the container from the stove. Place the cable pins into the solution. Completely submerge the cable pins in the solution.
- 5
  Leave the cable pins in the solution for 12 hours. Check the cable pins every 2 hours. The hydrochloric acid dissolves all nongold material.
- 6
  Pour 4 cups of vinegar into the glass container. The vinegar is a base and neutralizes the acid. Remove the gold from the container.

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