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The Soldering of Gold in Antiquity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2011

G. Demortier*
Affiliation:
L.A.R.N., Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix, 22 Rue Muzet, B-5000 Namur (Belgium)
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Abstract

Results of non-destructive analyses of solders on gold jewelry artefacts involving the irradiation of the material with protons and the prompt detection of X-ray signals allow us to understand the joining procedures used by ancient goldsmiths.

A non conventional interpretation of the Natural History (33th Book) of Elder Pliny (1st cent. A.D.) concerning chrysocolla (or goldsolder) sheds some light on the present debate around the possible use (in antiquity) of greenockite (natural CdS) as an alloyed element with gold to achieve low melting point brazing.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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References

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