Richard P. answered 03/11/20
PhD in Physics with 10+ years tutoring experience in STEM subjects
If the two solids had different densities, that physical property could be used to separate them. Another approach would be try a solvent other than water. Perhaps a solvent could be found that would dissolve one but not the other.
The density property could be exploited by placing the common water solution into a centrifuge, then allowing the solvent to evaporate while the centrifuge was still spinning.