If you look at real world minerals, each mineral contains a different amount of the desired element (tin, copper, zinc, iron, etc.). In fact, some minerals contain two or even three different metal elements. I use www.webmineral.com to find the element content of various minerals. For example:
To calculate the element ratio, you need to know the cluster counts for each type of mineral. You then multiply the cluster count for a mineral times the percentage of the desired metal element. In the case of minerals with two or more desired metals (such as Danbaite), calculate the amount for each metal separately.
When you are done, add up the results for each metal in your alloy. Then, divide the value for the predominant metal element by the value for the lesser metal element.
Is this all gobbledygook? Try this example:
A cart contains 15 cuprite clusters and 10 danbaite clusters. For cuprite, multiply 15 times .89 (89%), to determine that the cuprite contributes "7.5" of elemental copper. For danbaite, multiply 10 times .33 (33%) to determine that the danbaite contributes "3.3" of elemental copper. Finally, multiply the 10 danbaite clusters times .67 (67%) to determine that the danbaite contributes "6.7" of elemental zinc.
So: add all the contributions of elemental copper ("7.5" and "3.3") to determine the total elemental copper contribution as "10.8"). Add all the contributions of elemental zinc ("6.7") to determine the total elemental zinc contribution as "6.7".
The ratio is then total elemental copper divided by total elemental zinc: 10.8 / 6.7 equals an elemental ratio of 1.6.
To show this a different way:
Elemental Copper: 7.5 + 3.3 = 10.8
Elemental Zinc: 6.7
Copper / Zinc = 10.8/6.7 = 1.6
So...you'd like to track element ratio in your cart label so you can predict success or failure? Here is how I do it:
On scratch paper, write down the names and element percentages for all your likely minerals:
| Copper % | Zinc % | |
| Cuprite | 89 | - |
| Tenorite | 80 | - |
| Digenite | 78 | - |
| Covellite | 66 | - |
| Danbaite | 33 | 67 |
| Matraite | - | 67 |
| Ashoverite | - | 66 |
| Sweetite | - | 66 |
| Wulfingite | - | 66 |
Start with a label such as:
Brass: target 1200:800 Cu:Zn (0:0)
If you add a stone with 2 cuprite clusters:
Brass: target 1200:800 Cu:Zn (178:0)
If you add a stone with 1 danbaite cluster:
Brass: target 1200:800 Cu:Zn (211:67)
Continue until you get within 20-30 of each of your target numbers.
I find it very easy to use Alt-Tab to switch between the client and the calculator. It is especially easy if you can see the cart label while at the calculator. Once you find the ratio, add the current value, then use Ctrl-C to copy the result. When you go back to the label, paste in the new value. Voila!
If you are doing mining research, it is a good idea to keep track of cluster count for all minerals in addition to the element ratio. I use a label like:
Brass: target 1200:800 Cu:Zn (211:67) | (cupr:3 tenor:0) (danba:1 matra:0)
Feel free to add comments, questions, or requests here, with your name attached....
What is the elemental percentage for Cupalite (Iron)? - glixis