Hello summer heat! By now, you’re probably seeking the comfort of swimming pools, popsicles, and cool beverages to fight off the blistering sun. In fact, sometimes being out in the summertime makes you feel just like you’re going to melt!
Fortunately, cold water and air conditioning usually does the trick. But the rising temperature has made us think about melting metals, since it’s such a key part of the refining process. Did you know that each metal has a unique melting point? And by the way, a melting point is the temperature a metal must be exposed to before it liquifies.
Here are some melting points for the most common precious metals, from lowest to highest.
- 14k Gold: 1,615℉
- Sterling Silver: 1,640℉
- 10k Gold: 1,665℉
- 18k Gold: 1,700℉
- Pure Silver: 1,761℉
- 24k Gold: 1,945℉
- Copper: 1,981℉
- Palladium: 2,831℉
- Platinum: 3,224℉
As you can see, the melting points of various gold and silver purities are pretty comparable. And palladium and platinum require much higher temperatures before they’ll melt.
For reference, an average house fire burns at about 1,112℉, so the heat needed to melt precious metals is quite substantial. That being said, bullion can still undergo damage in the event of a fire, so it’s recommended that you store them in a fireproof/waterproof safe (if you choose to store metals at home).
What’s your favorite cold treat on a hot summer day? Commenting below will serve as your entry for our July giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by July 29, 2018. One winner will be randomly selected on July 30, 2018 to receive a 2018 Silver Krugerrand from the South African Mint.
Good luck and stay cool this summer!
Nothing beats a old fashion Italian ice.
Lemmon is my favorite.
When it’s 100 degrees in the valley, it’s a 45 minute drive to the Wind River Mountains (a chain in the central Rockies running through Wyoming) where it’s a cool 80 degrees and typically 35 – 40% humidity. Nothing more perfect than holding out your arms and not being able to tell there’s any air… still, clean, beautiful mountain air with the sound of tumbling mountain streams in the back ground. Now THAT’S the way I like to cool off!
The best cold treat is Deer Tracks icecream.
Lemonade, every time!
Congrats to our giveaway winner, Ronald K. To everyone else, try your luck again next month!
Sitting on Sandestin Fl Beach as the sun goes down with ice cold water.
I love vanilla ice cream. Thank you
Heatwave at Southern California, temperature broken record to 121F on July 6th, 2018.
I enjoy a Diet Coca Cola with a splash of “Hot Stuff” Whiskey. The cinnamon taste goes perfect with the Coke.
Vanilla ice cream covered with crunchy peanut butter.
Ice cold Spotted Cow
Eating homemade strawberry, peach, or banana ice cream! It’s Great
Peach milkshakes hit the spot on a hot summer day
A big bowl of ice cream also some cool pops.
My favorite is Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice cream!
Absolutely delicious!!!
Counting my cool silver stack on a hot summer day!
My favorite treat is a glass of lemonade or butter pecan ice cream
Cold watermelon or strawberries dipped in sugar.