Paper Shake Method¶

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ID¶

paper_shake

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Brief description of the overall procedure. This should include important details so that the procedure could be replicated.

Paper Shake Separation Method

Setup your work station: an 8.5x11 sheet of paper on a tray, to catch the “discard,” and a sheet of weighing paper.
Pour a small amount of sample onto the weighing paper.
Holding the weighing paper at a shallow angle over the catch tray, gently shake the weighing paper to allow grains to fall over the edge. Sheet-like mica minerals will tend to “stick” to the weighing paper, while more blocky or irregular grains more easily fall off. Continue shaking the paper until a concentrate of mica minerals remains.
Transfer the mica minerals from the weighing paper to a vial (label appropriately).
Repeat steps 2-4 until sufficient quantity is separated. (If fingerprints or dust/fines are interfering with the separation, use a new sheet of weighing paper.)
Return the “discard” material on the catch tray to the sample bag, or transfer to a new bag/vial. Clean the tray and work surface when you are finished.

A summary of the procedure

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