Boston Paper - Block Tin Resulting from Distillation of n Tin Amalgam

In the latter part of December a batch of amalgam was retorted and the tin in the retort uncovered while at a low red heat, and allowed to cool slowly to a temperature more suitable for ladling into moulds. It was then ladled and made what appeared to be nice, white, malleable block tin. On February 15th our attention is called to the fact that the tin is brittle, and on examination we find that the molecular condition of the pigs has changed to the extent of one-half its material. The change shows itself by an enlargement appearing on the surface something like crystallization, and comes in spots. The condition of the metal in these spots is very peculiar. It has changed from a malleable metal to a brittle one, with a structure somewhat resembling stibnite, and a color very considerably darker gray than tin. The analyses of the two parts of this tin pig showed the following results: Mercury. Tin. Specific Gravity. Crystalline part,.....2.62 97.24 6.175 Malleable part,.....2.38 97.50 7.387