Hunk of Shiny Metal???

[Toofee Miner]

Hi Pappy,

I was going through some old boxes and found this thing that looks like a home-made ingot. My first instinct was to say 'garbage' and pitch it but my college metallurgy memories told me otherwise.

I took out a scale and big tupperware container and determined the weight to be 675 g for an ingot that displaced about 45 ccm.

Now it's way too shiny to be lead, thought maybe it might be melted silver coin, but again, far too dense.

Could it be that I have a lump of melted 'gold' coin. The density is somewhere around that listed for 18k gold with nickel (white gold)?

What the heck do I do with it anyway??? Are there other tests I can perform without giving up the item to a stranger?

Hope you have some insight....

Thanks

Toofee (Newbee)

[rockyredbaron]

Give us some pics so we can assist better ...

[Stainless Steel Rat]

I used to work at an electronics company we used to buy one kind of solder that looked shinny and felt pretty dense. We used it in a big melting pot and dipped the wires into it.

[Toofee Miner]

Hi!

I included the macro shot of where i tried to scrape the metal, it was very hard and did not scrape smoothly but revealed shinier metal. Notice the patina, it's not tarnish as I know it on coins and jewelry, but it has this hint o' gold.

My experience with solder is that it would be much lighter and softer, but who knows. Should I take a soldering iron to it? I am not sure if mine has fine temp control to see melting point and I really can't find my crucible today. (hee hee)

I have to tell you that the origin of the bar is from an individual (let's call him grampy) who had a tendency to hoard. There are no electronic parts, etc, from the site of origin, lots of 'moonshine', plus he distilled it himself.

Ug, if only I had majored in metallurgy instead of chosen it as an elective...

[rockyredbaron]

Looks like it could be gold, since gold coins are not always pure , and have some other alloys added in..could account for the patina coloration on the outside of the bar...If you can find someone who is familiar with buying gold by spot price I would talk with them and have them look at it..they can tell ya for sure..hope for your sake its real !!! good luck

[Gregory]

You'll need to acid test it for gold. You can pick up a test kit for under $20. I got mine from Kenscoins. Look over at the TQ auction to contact him. Also if your wanting to sell it he will buy it.
Here's his toll free # 1-888-222-8058

It sure looks like the real deal

[ERnurse]

I've seen silver bars that look just like that from china. I guess they could make gold bars too. If it is, wow, what a find!

Rob

[PAPPY]

It would be nearly impossible to tell from a photograph. I'll go with Greg on this one and say run an acid test. LET US KNOW...PAPPY

[creekrat]

take that and test it ,if it was real id through one of the alfulest drunks yea ever seen hehe and if its junk heck, it make a good door stop.......hh creek

[Toofee Miner]

We shall see, i'll keep ya posted!!!

I'm starting to get the gold fever.... oh maybe it's just a little cold.

Cheers!