Electro: a natural gold alloy

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Electro is a natural alloy consisting generally of four parts gold and one part silver . Its name comes from the Greek word elektrum, which means amber, which it somewhat resembles due to its yellow color. It can be found in nature and is also produced artificially.

electro characteristics

The electro presents a pale yellow color with different levels of brilliance. Its color can also vary, depending on the proportions of silver that the alloy contains. In some cases it can become amber in color or reach a very light yellow color, almost whitish. Because of this, in some places it is often called ” white gold “.

electro composition

Electro is made up of gold and silver . The most common ratio is 4:1, that is, four parts of gold and one part of silver. However, different combinations of these metals can be found. In addition, electro contains copper , platinum, and palladium in small amounts, and sometimes iron and bismuth as well.

Electro properties

Electro has some interesting properties that depend on the proportions of the metals it contains. It is a malleable metal alloy that stands out for its resistance to corrosion and its high reflectivity. It is also an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.

The use of electro in antiquity

This natural alloy of gold and silver was used in different places for coinage and decoration. Some of the most important findings were made in:

  • Egypt. The oldest record of the use of electro comes from the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 3,000 BC. It is believed that it was used as a coating, both for the vertices of pyramids and obelisks, pyramids, as well as mummies and other objects in royal burials. .
  • Ancient Lydia. The first electrum coins were minted in the western region of the Anatolian peninsula. Some of the specimens that survive to this day suggest that they were produced with a lower gold content than natural electrum. These coins were between 45 and 55% gold and date from the 7th century BC, during the reign of Gyges, the first king of Lydia.
  • Byzantine Empire. Coins belonging to the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Comenos, who ruled at the beginning of the 11th century AD, were found.

Electro today

This metal is found in nature in the mountainous region of Anatolia, more specifically in the town of Gediz Nehri. This area is where there is a higher concentration of natural electro known. In addition, it is possible to find it to a lesser extent, in Nevada, United States. Its current composition of 70 to 90% gold differs slightly from the composition of ancient coins. Some examples of electro can be seen in different museums around the world, mainly in the form of coins, glasses and ornaments. And, curiously, it should be noted that the Nobel Prize medals are made of electrosynthetic.

Cecilia Martinez (B.S.)
Cecilia Martinez (B.S.)
Cecilia Martinez (Licenciada en Humanidades) - AUTORA. Redactora. Divulgadora cultural y científica.

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