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GOLD
Gold was probably the second metal
To be used by ancient man, being discovered after copper. Fine gold
work has been found from as early as 3000 bc.
Pure (fine) gold is too soft for most
uses and so it is alloyed with other
metals to produce the desired hardness. During the alloying process the hardness, malleability and colour can be altered. Silver and copper are generally used as alloying metals, but many other metals can also be used.
The relative amount of gold in an alloy is known as the karat, this word signifies proportion eg pure gold is 24 karat, this should not be confused with carat which is a unit
of weight (200 mg) used for precious stones.
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