2. Blowpipe Test
A simple test that dates back to the 1870s, the blowpipe test is believed to have been first used by 19th century miners who needed a way to know if the ore they were working on contained any elements of gold within. Used to identify the presence of a mineral, there are several easy steps to this scientific test that have been honed over time. To begin with, one must place a mineral fragment within a cavity on a charcoal block, from which a blowpipe will be used to deliver a horizontal flame to the mineral fragment. A reaction will occur depending on which mineral is found within the fragment. Used in the discovery of near a dozen elements, from nickel to indium, sometimes simplicity really does gain the best results.
