Doesn't sound hopeful. Sound slike it has sulfured out. In that case, it will likely have a "stinky" rotten egg tinge to the smell of it. Or a cloudy or yellowed color to the liquid on top of the mess at the bottom. But being a cheapskate you might be able to salvage some of it, But that settled-out stuff will never mix back in. Don't disturb it and gently pour out what you can for examination. Basically though it's considered no good.
I wouldn't hesitate to use some filtered Rapid Fix that has reached this state for contact proof and work prints, but I would advise caution about film or prints that are for potential long term display.
It can be useful if you need elemental sulfur for some purpose and it doesn't matter that it's not very pure. I couldn't think of a reason why you'd need sulfur - maybe if you dabble in experimental chemistry or something.
funny you should ask... i found 2 bottles of kodak rapid concentrate fixer brand new in the box i bought several years ago... its the 2part stuff.
the bottle looked yellowish with about 1/2" of a yellow solid crud at the bottom of the part A, the big bottle. the small bottle partB was perfectly fine.
im SURE its toast!
just put in my B&H order for fixer n developers.... chemicals really got expensive.... price of 120 film went nuts, although ive got plenty 4x5 in the freezer. i really should sell off some of my LF stash n holders.
Well I knew it's not useful as fixer. I make my own fixer so I never have any good stuff laying around. I was more wondering if the NON-sediment fluid had any use -- photographically related or not. Cleaning swimming pools, polishing aluminum, thinning paint, starting campfires, killing weeds -- or perhaps..........?