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Why Alloy?
There are several reasons why the precious metals need to be alloyed. 1. Strength; Of the precious metals, gold and silver are too soft for practical use. Because they are so soft, malleable and ductile in their elemental form, it is necessary to improve the characteristics of the metals by increasing their modulus of elasticity and to obtain greater rigidity and wear resistance by rendering them hardenable. To enable precious metals to be worked into shape by hand fabricating, casting, pressing, spinning, etc., they need the influences the alloying agents impart. Each manufacturing method has it's own requirements for degree of ductility and hardness; each may require an adjustment of the alloy formula.
2. Economy; The cost of pure precious metals is restrictive in marketing terms. By alloying precious metals with less costly components a more affordable metal is produced. Alloying enables people to own precious metals who would not otherwise be able to do so. 3. Fashion and Design That which fashion dictates, designers attempt to produce. The modem art of alloying for colour variation or physical property is driven by the designer's request. Gold the only naturally occurring metal so-coloured, can impart its strong, unique golden hue even when alloyed to 50%. Gold has been the most popular and fashionable metal since woman understood it's allure and man gave it a value. Platinum is appreciated for it's durable lustre as well as its strong alloying attributes.
4. Status; Although governments of the world no longer back their currency with gold, it remains the universal currency recognised across all borders. To own gold, be it as nugget, ingot, or worn as jewellery, in most cultures is a tangible symbol of status. For 5000 years people have fought and died for the possession of gold; to demonstrate one's status with gold has always been a desirable goal. |
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