QuestionI am curious to know: I read an answer to melting gold. If 14 karat gold is
melted to 2000 degrees (properly as I read on your response) is it always
homogenous? Meaning if I cut a piece of the end of the bar would it be the
same purity as the center? Also - does gold always stick together? If I pour it
and there is some garbage remaining in the crucible can I assume that is not
gold and just ash? Thanks!
AnswerDear Karinne,
Generally if melted from one piece, the melt will be uniform internally. If meted from several pieces which may contain slightly different alloys, I suggest the molten metal be stirred gently with a carbon rod prior to any pouring.
If you are mixing base metal alloy with fine gold, constant stirring is advised once the metal is molten to assure an even distribution through out the crucible or melting dish.
When poured, keep heat on the metal and on the lip of the pouring dish. Pour gently but not too slowly. You do want to be able to control the flow and have it all rush out in one large flow and possibly be dangerous or miss where you are wanting the melted metal to go. Sometimes you will see small beads of thin sections of gold left in the melting dish. The gold can be melted and poured out to be used again. Most slag or waste including flux residue will not look like gold but be more glass like and unattractive. Do look for tiny beads of gold trapped in flux residue since the flux may be dissolved or broken and the gold recovered.
Karinne, best wishes in melting. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
