Froth Flotation
A concentration method that separates minerals by exploiting differences in how readily their surfaces are wetted.
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Finely ground ore is agitated in water with a collector that makes the wanted mineral water-repellent and a frother that stabilises bubbles. Air is blown through, the treated particles attach to bubbles and rise as a froth, while the wetted gangue sinks.
Examples in the real world
Concentrating sulfide ores of copper, lead and zinc, which are naturally hydrophobic and float readily.