There was some use of gold - iron alloys for decorative purposes,
particularly in the 18th century (eg inlays on gold boxes). There are
various recipes for such alloys and some describe the use steel filings.
One such gave a blue/grey 75% gold alloy (18 carat). I am not aware of
published details of production.
In 1798 the Privy Council in Britain requested research to investigate
possible new alloys for the coins of the realm. The outcome - an 1802
report - noted many different alloy types and their characteristics
including an alloy with iron in 1/12 proportions (ie. a 22 carat gold
alloy of gold + iron). This alloy was an almost white metal that was
hard but perfectly ductile.
Jack Ogden
-----Original Message-----
From: Arch-Metals Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Torbert, Barton
Sent: 20 April 2006 21:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Iron Alloys
I could see someone adding gold to iron for a weapon from a "magical"
standpoint, gold being perceived as having such noble characteristics.
But I can't see any metallurgical advantage. I am reading between the
lines of your email and guessing this is weapon.
Were there any details as to what weapon this was, its date,
metallurgical tests, etc? You almost sound like somebody things the
weapon was cast not forged.
Bart
-----Original Message-----
From: Arch-Metals Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
James Brothers
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 2:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Iron Alloys
On Britarch someone has asked the question of what would happen if
one alloyed iron with gold. Their intent is to lower the liquidous.
Are there any obvious, and ancient, ways used to do this. The obvious
one is to alloy with carbon, but that results in brittle high carbon
iron. And the context of the discussion was casting weapons. I can't
think of anything I have read that would lower the liquidous enough
to allow for casting of iron weapons and still have a useable weapon.
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