Targeted Determination
Quantify a selected element where the sample form, concentration and procedure are suitable.
Gold Testing Method
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
Targeted Quantitative Element Determination
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) is an instrumental technique used to quantitatively determine selected elements in an appropriately prepared sample.
It is a targeted analytical approach rather than a surface scanner or a non-destructive test for an intact bullion bar.
Bilex reviews the sample, requested element and intended use before confirming method availability and preparation requirements.
Bilex Sample Handling
What Is AAS?
AAS measures the absorption of light at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements. The amount of absorbed light is related to the concentration of the selected element under the applicable analytical procedure.
The technique normally focuses on selected target elements. It requires the analytical portion to be prepared in a suitable form before measurement and should not be described as a gold scanner, a surface test or a universal replacement for Fire Assay.
In suitable analytical workflows, AAS may be used as an instrumental finish after an appropriate precious-metal collection procedure. This means AAS and Fire Assay are not necessarily mutually exclusive stages.
Analytical purpose
What Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) Can Help Determine
The method is selected from the material and the analytical question—not from a claim that one technology is best for every sample.
Gold-Bearing Material
Analyse an appropriately prepared portion of ore, concentrate or other suitable material.
Refinery Samples
Support focused analysis of identified and suitably prepared refinery or process samples.
Doré-Derived Samples
Measure selected elements in a representative prepared sample when the procedure is appropriate.
Analytical Finish
Serve as an instrumental measurement finish in certain Fire Assay workflows.
Suitable Materials
Suitability is confirmed against the sample form, expected composition and applicable analytical procedure.
- Prepared gold-bearing ore
- Prepared concentrates
- Refinery and process samples
- Suitable doré-derived analytical samples
- Other appropriately prepared gold-bearing material
Before testing
Sample & Preparation Requirements
- AAS requires an appropriately prepared analytical sample rather than direct measurement of an intact bullion item.
- The target element, expected concentration, material matrix and selected AAS approach affect suitability.
- Sampling must connect the analytical portion to the defined material if the result is intended to represent a larger lot.
- Exact sample quantity, preparation and reporting scope are confirmed for the specific enquiry.
Main Strengths
- Focused quantitative determination of selected elements
- Useful where a targeted analytical question is clearly defined
- Can be applied after suitable preparation
- May be used as an instrumental finish in an appropriate Fire Assay workflow
Important Limitations
- Usually targeted rather than broad simultaneous multi-element analysis
- Requires sampling and preparation
- Does not provide a non-destructive intact-bar reading
- Suitability depends on matrix, concentration and validated scope
- Does not automatically replace Fire Assay or representative sampling
Method selection
Compare Related Testing Methods
Different methods provide different kinds of evidence. Complementary testing may be appropriate where one result cannot answer the full question.
AAS vs ICP-OES
AAS commonly targets selected individual elements. ICP-OES can measure multiple selected elements during a multi-element run.
The appropriate technique depends on the sample matrix, expected concentration, required analytes, analytical procedure and reporting requirement—not on a claim that one instrument is always superior.
AAS vs XRF and Fire Assay
XRF provides rapid surface-region elemental information from a suitable item. AAS provides quantitative measurement from an appropriately prepared analytical sample.
Fire Assay is a precious-metal collection and separation procedure. AAS may be used as a measurement finish after suitable Fire Assay collection, so the two terms can describe different parts of one workflow.
A Result Represents the Sample Actually Tested
The analytical result describes the identified sample and stated method. Applying that result to a bar, parcel, shipment or multi-kilogram lot depends on whether the sampling procedure reasonably connects the tested sample to the defined material.
Testing does not by itself establish ownership, lawful origin, seller legitimacy, export authorisation or payment security.
Common questions
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) FAQ
What does AAS measure?
AAS measures the concentration of a selected element in an appropriately prepared analytical sample by measuring characteristic light absorption.
Can AAS determine gold?
It can determine gold when the preparation, concentration range, calibration and analytical procedure are suitable for the sample and intended result.
Does AAS require sample preparation?
Yes. AAS is not a direct intact-bar scanner. The analytical portion must be prepared in a form appropriate to the confirmed procedure.
Can AAS be used after Fire Assay?
Yes, AAS can serve as an instrumental finish after an appropriate precious-metal collection procedure in certain analytical workflows.
How does AAS differ from ICP-OES?
AAS is commonly used for selected target elements, while ICP-OES can measure multiple selected elements in one analytical run. Method suitability depends on the specific sample and requirement.
Gold Testing & Assaying
Related Testing Methods
Use these links to compare the evidence each method can provide before selecting an analytical approach.
010203
ICP-OES Analysis
Compare targeted AAS determination with quantitative multi-element analysis.
Learn MoreFire Assay
Understand how an instrumental finish can relate to precious-metal collection.
Learn MoreXRF Analysis
Compare prepared-sample AAS with rapid, non-destructive surface screening.
Learn MoreGold Testing Method
Discuss Your Sample Before Testing
Tell Bilex what material you have, what you need to establish, whether the item must remain intact and how the result will be used. The team will review method suitability and confirm the next step.
Method availability, equipment or partner-facility arrangement, sample requirements, timing and reporting scope are confirmed for the specific enquiry.