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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Melting 9k gold

I have been told when melting a gold bracelet down that you lose 15% of the weight, is that true?

Marilyn Morrow
consumer - Australia
2007

First of two simultaneous responses --

Marilyn,
If the bracelet is 9k gold (37.5%), most of the weight loss will be loss of the alloys due to volatility and oxidation during the melt. Precious metals are normally stable in small scale melt procedures. Keep in mind that the bracelet contains 62.5% alloy materials. Depending on the alloys it is possible to lose 15% of the total weight, but not 15% of the gold content.

Mark Baker
process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2007

Second of two simultaneous responses --

If your alloy contain volatile elements like zinc , cadmium than it is possible.

Bhupesh Mulik
core jewellery - Mumbai
2007

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