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!
A sea breeze cocktail, in a shady spot with the real sea breeze blowing! Nirvana!!!
A cold one by the pool!
Beer
Freezing my gel-mask overnight and laying on the hammockk
Sherbet is so refreshing!
Lemonade
Lying down on my Silver Bullion Bar Bed with a Cold Pina Colada
Icee!
A fresh made piece of rhubarb pie and a good cup of coffee
Chilled watermelon!
A nice tall, cold Arnold Palmer – one half ice tea and one half freshly squeezed lemon juice, on ice, of course. It’s the Best.
A pina’ colda, while lounging on a white sandy beach!
Frozen margaritas in the pool.
Fresh brewed sweet tea with some lemonade thrown in!
High quality H2O
All of these things sound great! I hope that all of you have a great summer!
Cold water
Standing under a waterfall in North Carolina!
Finely shaved ice with a sugar free syrup on top. Delicious!!! 🙂
A blue razzberry shaved ice in a cup
Blue Bell ice cream
Mead and ice cream! Always the best on a hot day.
A frothy beverage at around 4-5 abv.
Barefoot on the beach with and endless supply strawberry daiquiri.
Ice cream!
My wife’s hand. After 42 years of marriage they still need worming.
Ice cream
Ice Cold Lemonade!
Pink lemonade and sitting under my patio misters
A bowl of peanut butter ice cream