SH Archive Artificial Gold: what is it?

[KD Archive]

This thread is not about nuclear reactors, and particle accelerator involved processes. At least I hope it is not. We are talking about the artifical gold mentioned in the 18th, and 19th century books.

Now, I doubt this is gold, but it is being called "artificial gold" in the older books. Visit the below link to see what I'm talking about:

• Artificial Gold - click on the year spans at the bottom

What alloy is this?

1828 Source

Whatever they are talking about here...

1686 Source

And here...

1714 Source
​

KD: what do you think they are talking about when they mention this artificial gold?

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Note: This post was recovered from the Sh.org archive.
Username: esgee1
Date: 2019-07-14 02:01:53
Reaction Score: 3

Based on the 1828 Source above the "Artificial Gold" is an alloy derived from Platinum (platina), Copper and Zinc. I'd assume the Copper is added to give the Platinum a gold like appearance.

Both Gold and Platinum share similar characteristics such as both don't oxidize or tarnish and both are scratch resistant. Platinum also has a silver-white color and was called white gold in the 1700s.

Watchmakers appreciate the unique properties of platinum, as it neither tarnishes nor wears out (the latter quality relative to gold).

My consensus is that "Artificial Gold" is basically Platinum made to resemble the look of Gold (at least in the 1800s).