cupellation
/ˌkjuːpəˈleɪʃən/
noun
- A refining process in which precious metals are separated from base metals by heating in a cupel, causing the base metals to oxidize and be absorbed.
- During cupellation, the lead is absorbed into the cupel, leaving the precious metal behind.
- Cupellation has been used for centuries to purify silver and gold.
- The chemist explained the steps of cupellation to the students.