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!
Ice cold water does the trick for , it keeps me Cool and Hydrated.
Peach tea popsicles!
A good tall cold glass of lemonade….works for me.
Ice cold water
Cherry Italian ice
Ice cold sweet tea
Watermelon.
When it’s 110 degrees outside in Phx, ice cold water!
Lime slush
Ice cold brewski!!!
Margarita
A tall frosty glass of an icy-cold freshly blended coconut juice with ample pieces of small chunks of soft young coconut meat!
Cold bottle of water does it for me…
To beat the tropical summertime heat, I like chilling with my kitties under the fan and drinking a tall glass of freshly brewed iced tea.
Cookies and crème Ice Cream
Ice cold beer
Hope Your Silver coin Hot sales.
That frosty adult beverage that’s been at the bottom of the cooler, while I’ve been at work (outdoors) all day.
Lemon flavored water ice
Hot summer day on the ocean!!
To quote Barry in City Slickers, ” Scoop of chocolate; Scoop of vanilla. Don’t waste my time.”
A Coke float!
A diet cherry limeade!
MY ANSWER TO THE HEAT OF A HOT SUMMER DAY IS A NICE LARGE GLASS OF LEMONADE WITH LOTS OF ICE!! FOLLOWED BY A SCOOP OF VANILLA ICECREAM – AND THE FEELING OF MY SILVER COINS IN MY HAND..- NOW THAT’S PRETTY COOL 🙂
An ice cold glass of iced tea with a couple mint leaves.
Ice cold Sweet Tea with a Lemon Slice!!!!
Margaritas and sunshine …
A pint of craft beer…
Slightly chilled sweet watermelon. YUM!
Ice cream