Don't discount it just because it looks like garbage

This is the second time I have come across a platinum crucible where the person who owned it had no idea what it was and sold it to me as something else.

I buy used lab glass. I don't make so much money that I feel comfortable buying new lab glass, considering how often it breaks. I also like buying large lots and selling off the glass I don't need or don't use. Generally I can turn a profit while still keeping the glass I need. It's a win/win situation.

I recently bought a large lot of lab glass from a lab that closed. I bought the lot for the heating collars, but there was a lot of other material, big and small, included with the lot. As I was going through the boxes I came across what looked like a beat up metal cup.

This is what a platinum crucible looks like:


I knew right away what it was.

A lot of times you will find the crucibles with lids, which adds to the value of course.

here is a platinum crucible with a lid:



You can see how shiny it is.

So in your searches for scrap, or lab equipment that can be used or re-sold, keep an eye out for these. They are worth far more than what they might seem to be worth.



Not all that glitters is gold.

Scott