How do I know (metals question) - Page 2

I got started scrapping, looking to refine Gold from Scrap. I broke down an entire analog telephone system. Several Motherboards, and riser cards. Quite a large amount of material. I used some very dangerous processes, and spent quite a bit of money to put together a lab to "DO it right".

I am no chemist, but I'm a pretty smart guy. I follow directions very well. read through Hoke, and the forums. Took the time, to build a workshop JUST for this process. And failed at it.
I probably wasted Hundreds of Dollars in good recyclable material, not to mention the amount of time and money spent on figuring out how to refine gold from plated jewelry and printed circuit boards.

After refining down the gold, and then comparing that to what I would have made if I'd just sold the boards to a buyer here on the forum, I would have made more $$.

Gold is fun, and exciting....but not the only thing of value on a circuit board.

When you sell to a buyer here, they compile your load, and others to a refiner, who then incinerates the loads, and pays out on the total scrap value of all precious metals. you make more money selling boards whole, than by refining only the gold YOU can.

Please understand that even if you knew how to refine, it's not gold as in solid gold, it's gold as in gold PLATED. If you melted the metal down all of it melt. Before you jump in take some time to read or you risk devaluing your recyclables greatly.

ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

Can anyone help me idenfity if thats silver on the wifi card, or a type of pallidum or aluminum? I have a few ram cards like that too

Fins are either silver or tin.