Unrefined Rough Gold Ingot / Doré Bar Fragment
Bar/Ingot (Raw/Unrefined) · Yellow Gold (Unrefined/Natural Alloy)
Purity: Indeterminate; likely 60-90% (Doré quality). The cross-section reveals a consistent color, but the heavy oxidation suggests significant silver, copper, or lead content.
Type
Bar/Ingot (Raw/Unrefined)
Purity
Indeterminate; likely 60-90% (Doré quality). The cross-section reveals a consistent color, but the heavy oxidation suggests significant silver, copper, or lead content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Unrefined/Natural Alloy)
Weight
800g to 1,200g (Approx. 25-38 Troy Ounces). The item is dense and occupies a substantial portion of the palm.
Description
A heavy, rectangular section of semi-refined gold, commonly referred to as a doré bar fragment. Unlike high-purity investment bullion, this piece retains a rugged, industrial aesthetic with significant surface oxidation and a coarse internal grain structure. It represents the intermediate stage between raw mined ore and fine .999 gold.
Key Features
Sheared corner/edge revealing internal metal consistency; heavy surface tarnish contrasting with the brighter yellow of the fresh cut.
Color & Finish
Dull, brassy yellow with heavy brownish-black patina/oxidation. The cut face exhibits a coarse, granular, matte finish typical of cast metal that has been sheared or sawed.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. This appears to be a field-cast bar or a segment of a larger industrial ingot without official assay markings.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 70-90mm, Width: 40-50mm, Thickness: 25-30mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item consists entirely of metal.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; industrial/raw form.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid rectangular block.
Craftsmanship Details
Crude sand-cast or open-mold casting. The edges are uneven, and the cooling lines suggest a rapid, uncontrolled pour in a non-vacuum environment.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag Warning: The heavy brown/black oxidation and the large size without hallmarks are common characteristics of 'brass trap' scams or lead-core counterfeits. Genuine gold rarely oxidizes to this dark brown/black shade unless heavily alloyed with base metals. Professional XRF or specific gravity testing is mandatory.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely an artisanal or small-scale mining operation (ASM). No mint or refinery logos are present.
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial/Artisanal Mining. The sharp, clean cut edge suggests modern power tools were used to section the piece.
Age Estimate
Recent (within the last 10-20 years). The lack of significant environmental erosion on the cut face suggests recent handling.
Cultural Significance
Represents the raw wealth of the mining industry and the fundamental labor-intensive process of extracting precious metals from the earth.
Condition Notes
Poor (Industrial Grade). The surface is heavily oxidized, showing signs of dirt, grease, and chemical residues from the smelting process. Sharp edges from cutting are present.
Value Estimate
Highly variable. If 80% pure at 1kg: ~$60,000 USD (melt value). If brass/counterfeit: ~$10.00 USD. Value is strictly based on recoverable metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives if historical value is suspected. Store in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation of base metal components. Handle with gloves to avoid skin oils reacting with the surface.
Similar Items
Cast copper blocks, brass industrial weights, or genuine 1kg PAMP Suisse cast bars (which would be hallmarked and much cleaner).
Interesting Facts
Doré bars are typically composed of a gold and silver alloy and are sent to refineries to be purified into 24K gold; they are the primary form in which gold leaves mine sites.