Maybe you have gold jewelry that you want to melt or you are an artist or a jeweler and you want to create your own project with molten gold. There are several techniques for melting gold at home, although it is imperative that you take all necessary safety measures to protect yourself from extreme heat.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get the Right Equipment
Step 1. Purchase a crucible that can hold gold as it melts
You need to get the right equipment for this kind of job. A special crucible for gold is indispensable, because it has to withstand very high temperatures.
- A crucible is typically made of graphite, carbon, or clay. The melting point of gold is 1064 ° C, so you will need to develop a heat that generates this temperature in order to melt it. This is why you don't have to rely on just any container.
- In addition to the crucible, you need to get a pair of pliers to move and grab it. Make sure they are made of a non-heat conducting and high temperature resistant material.
- If you don't have a crucible, you can use homemade methods, such as a potato. In this case you have to take a tuber, drill a hole in it and insert the gold inside.
Step 2. Use a flux to remove impurities on the metal
This is a substance that is smeared on gold before melting it and, in most cases, is made up of borax and sodium carbonate.
- If the gold is not pure, you will need more flux. Choose your favorite blend, but be aware that borax and soda ash is one of the most popular. Add two pinches for every ounce of gold, but even more for particularly dirty pieces. You can also use simple baking soda as it will turn into carbonate when heated.
- The flux holds the various metal particles together and at the same time eliminates impurities as the gold heats up. If you have decided to use the potato method, add a pinch of borax to the hole before proceeding with the blending.
Step 3. Always be very cautious
This work is extremely dangerous due to the high temperatures required to carry it out.
- Ask a professional for advice if you have never melted any metal and are inexperienced. You should also find a safe environment on your property, such as an empty room or garage. Remember that you will also need a work surface to put your equipment on.
- Wear safety goggles and a welder mask to protect your face. Don't forget fireproof gloves and a leather apron.
- Never try to melt gold near any flammable material, as it is very dangerous and could cause a fire.
Method 2 of 3: Use a Kit
Step 1. Purchase an electric furnace designed for melting gold
It is a small high-powered furnace built for melting precious metals, including gold and silver. You can buy it online.
- Some electric models are affordable and even allow you to mix various metals (such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum and so on) to melt them at home. To use these furnaces you still need all the equipment described above, including the crucible and flux.
- If gold also contains a small percentage of silver, gold, or zinc, remember that the melting point will be lower.
Step 2. Give it a try with the microwave
The appliance must reach 1200 watts of power and you must be sure that the magnetron is not positioned at the top, but at the bottom or on the sides.
- You can buy a microwave or a gold melting kit. Put the furnace on its tray and put everything back inside the microwave. The crucible containing the gold that heats up is placed in the furnace and closed with a lid.
- Never use the microwave to cook food again after using it for melting gold.
Method 3 of 3: Finding other Heat Sources
Step 1. Try using a propane torch
As previously described, you need to be very cautious about safety, especially if you have decided to use an open flame. However, such a torch allows you to melt gold in minutes.
- You have to put the metal in the crucible. Then place the container on a fireproof surface and direct the flame of the torch towards the gold. If you have added borax to the metal, you will be able to melt it at lower temperatures, which is advisable when using an oxyacetylene torch.
- If the gold is reduced to dust, slowly direct the flame to the metal, otherwise you may scatter it with the movement of air. If you heat the crucible too quickly, you risk breaking it; heat it gradually and evenly. An oxyacetylene torch is quicker for this job than a propane one.
- Grab the torch and hold the flame directed over the gold dust by slowly moving it in a circular motion. When you notice that the metal starts to heat up and glow, you can slowly lower the flame towards the gold to reduce it to a small nugget.
Step 2. Model the molten gold
You have to decide what to do with the molten metal; you most likely want to give it a new shape. You can make an ingot or a bar.
- Pour the liquid gold, before it gets hard, into an ingot mold or other shape. At this point you just have to wait for it to cool down. Remember that the mold must be made of a material similar to that of the crucible.
- Don't forget to clean your work area when finished! Never leave heat sources unattended or within reach of children.
Warnings
- 24 karat gold is very malleable; if you need it to be stronger, you need to make an alloy with another metal.
- Several skills are required to melt gold, which is why you should seek advice from a professional before trying your hand at the job.
