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).
Good luck and stay cool this summer!
