Hobbies And Interests
Reasons
Pure gold is naturally too soft for practical uses. To allow gold to be made into jewelry, gold is mixed with other elements to increase its hardness. The refining process strips away elements to allow gold to be usable without losing its value.
Types
There are two methods of gold refining. Each method is associated with an element that is mixed with the gold and a stripping process.
Lead
With lead, the refining method of cupellation is employed. Lead is mixed with the gold and then heated until gold bullion remains.
Silver or Copper
With silver and copper, the refining process of inquartation is used. Inquartation involves mixing gold with copper or silver and then washing the mixture in nitric acid. The acid washes away the alloys and leaves almost pure gold.