Abstract: A method for separating a powder into a superconducting fraction and a tailing fraction, or of separating a powder into a magnetically active fraction and a tailing fraction. The powder is mixed with a paramagnetic liquid to form a slurry. The slurry is poured down an incline while being subjected to a downslope-traveling magnetic field. The superconducting or magnetically active particles move upslope.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an invention for beneficiation of powered material having superconducting characteristics and processes for carrying it out. The invention involves introducing powdered superconducting material into the vertical field of a magnet wherein particles thereof are levitated according to the Meissner Effect. Particles which are more superconducting levitate at higher elevations or states above the magnet than do particles containing phases that are non-superconducting. Particles that are non-superconducting do not react at all in the magnetic field. Levitated particles are selectively harvested from whatever states desired.