Raw Industrial Gold Granules/Grains in Rough Casting Form
Raw Gold (dust, flake, and granules) · Yellow Gold (Natural/Raw tone with potential impurities). The color is a deep, rich yellow beneath a layer of brown oxidation or sediment.
Purity: Estimated 18K to 22K (75% to 91.6% fineness). The irregular surface and color suggest a high-purity industrial or unrefined state, though the earthy encrustations may lower the overall assay percentage until cleaned.
Type
Raw Gold (dust, flake, and granules)
Purity
Estimated 18K to 22K (75% to 91.6% fineness). The irregular surface and color suggest a high-purity industrial or unrefined state, though the earthy encrustations may lower the overall assay percentage until cleaned.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Natural/Raw tone with potential impurities). The color is a deep, rich yellow beneath a layer of brown oxidation or sediment.
Weight
350 - 550 grams. Given the volume in the container and the high density of gold, the weight is substantial, likely over half a kilogram if the granules are solid.
Description
A bulk collection of gold granules, often called 'casting grain' or 'gold shot.' These small, irregularly shaped particles are used by jewelers and refiners as raw material for melting down into jewelry, coins, or bars. The pieces exhibit a range of textures from smooth and shiny to pitted and encrusted with environmental sediment, suggesting they may have been recovered from an unrefined source or an artisanal mining site.
Key Features
Spherical to sub-spherical 'popcorn' shapes; high density; characteristic deep yellow hue; presence of surface 'cups' or depressions formed during rapid cooling in water.
Color & Finish
Deep buttery yellow with an unrefined, textured surface. Many pieces show a 'frosted' or matte finish due to impurities, while others exhibit the characteristic metallic luster of gold.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. As raw/industrial material, these granules do miss individual markings. Purity would normally be verified by an assay certificate for the entire batch.
Dimensions Estimate
Granules range from 3mm to 6mm in diameter. The total volume appears to occupy approximately 150-200 cubic centimeters.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is pure metallic material without decorative stones or inlays.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; bulk material stored in a plastic poly-liner.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the material consists of individual, detached spherical and irregular granules.
Craftsmanship Details
Produced via 'shotting'—a process of rapid solidification. This is a functional industrial process rather than artistic craftsmanship, resulting in high-detail surface textures but no deliberate design.
Authentication Indicators
Color uniformity across fractured surfaces; high visual density; lack of 'flaking' (suggesting solid metal rather than plated); unique formation shapes typical of gold shot.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely a refinery or artisanal mining operation. Such grains are typically produced by pouring molten gold into water.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Industrial. These appear to be the result of a modern smelting process or 'casting grain' production used in jewelry manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Modern (21st Century). The lack of significant wear and the storage method suggest recent production or recovery.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fundamental 'store of value' form of gold; used globally as a medium of exchange in regions where unrefined gold serves as local currency.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The granules are raw and uncleaned, showing significant surface debris and oxidation. This is common for industrial-grade material before refining.
Value Estimate
Primarily Melt Value. Calculated by (Estimated Purity x Weight x Spot Price). A significant discount (10-20%) may be applied by buyers until the material is assayed and refined.
Care & Maintenance
Requires professional refining or ultrasonic cleaning to remove surface earth; store in a sealed, tamper-proof container to prevent loss of small granules.
Similar Items
Refined 24K Gold Shot, Gold Nuggets (Natural), Gold Bullion Bars, and Gold Sponge.
Interesting Facts
The process of creating these is called 'granulation,' where molten gold is poured into water to create easy-to-measure grains for precise alloying in jewelry making.