The use of zinc dust is an effective method for silver recovery. Theoretically, each ounce of zinc will displace almost 4 ounces of silver. However, at least a 50% excess should be added to avoid redissolution of the silver by the free cyanide present in the bath. A simple test for complete precipitation is to immerse a clean penny or piece of copper wire in the solution. If no whitish film of silver deposits in 5 minutes, the reaction may be considered complete.