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!
Theres nothing better than an ice cold Coke!
Good ole chocolate ice cream
I’d have to go with shaved ice.
An Ice Cold beer after mowing the lawn.
Cold H2O does it for me!
ICE COLD H2O WATER!!!
Yoohoo, the only chocolate milk alternative.
Oh thank Heaven for 7/11
A Coke and Cherry SLURPEE Mixed on a Hot Summer Day
So Tasty !!!
Watermelon
Arnold Palmer, ice cold with a sprig of fresh mint.
For true decadence: served with a tray of crackers and cheese while relaxing on the back porch (overlooking a lake with a wooded shoreline).
Modelo
Ice Water is best.
Ice cold beer and swimming in the creek with my family.
Peach tea
Sitting outside on the back steps in late afternoon with my daughter eating a huge chunk of chilled watermelon having a watermelon seed spitting contest.
A homemade Arnold Palmer
Frozen grapes. They are great, crunchy, sweet, and cool you down.
Cold beer in a frosted mug!
There’s nothing cooler than opening a box of silver bullion in front of the computer with the A/C on. I’ll take that treat any day.
Iced sweet tea – with gin
A nice cold cup of gazpacho!
I love a diet Arnold Palmer from chick-fil-a. but some hot sauce will get you sweating and cool you down
Put a 10oz silver bar in the freezer, or several. Use it to cool your forehead, wrist, neck and feel rich the same time !
Frozen lemonade.
Fresh squeezed Limeaid. Just has a glass.
Ice cold Rye and Ginger Ale
Gin lemon 7 on ice
Nothing beats a tall glass of sweet iced tea!
Lemon honey tea
Ice cold lemonade.