Here's how it works:
1. Adding Zinc: Molten lead containing silver is mixed with molten zinc.
2. Formation of a Silver-Zinc Alloy: Zinc has a higher affinity for silver than lead. This means silver dissolves preferentially in zinc, forming a silver-zinc alloy that floats on top of the lead.
3. Skimming the Alloy: The silver-zinc alloy is skimmed off the surface of the molten lead.
4. Separating Silver: The silver-zinc alloy is then further processed to separate the silver. This often involves distillation, where the zinc is evaporated leaving behind the silver.
Let me know if you'd like more details on the Parkes process!
