Cast 22K-24K High-Purity Yellow Gold Scrap Fragment
Raw Gold/Cast Fragment · Yellow Gold, likely a near-pure alloy with minimal copper or silver content.
Purity: Estimated 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%) based on deep saturation and low alloy oxidation.
Type
Raw Gold/Cast Fragment
Purity
Estimated 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%) based on deep saturation and low alloy oxidation.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, likely a near-pure alloy with minimal copper or silver content.
Weight
Estimated 5 to 12 grams depending on thickness, suggesting a substantial solid mass.
Description
This item is a solid, irregular fragment of high-purity yellow gold. It exhibits the characteristic rich, 'buttery' hue of gold exceeding 22 karats. The shape is rectangular with a distinct notched corner, suggesting it was sawed or clipped from a larger ingot or bar for measurement or sale. The surface is non-reflective and textured with cooling marks, indicating a lack of professional industrial finishing.
Key Features
Characteristic high-karat color saturation, irregular 'clipped' geometry, and visible cooling cooling crystalline structures on the surface.
Color & Finish
Deep buttery yellow with a matte, micro-pitted surface typical of sand-cast or unrefined cooling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible; likely a section cut from a larger bar or a hand-poured button.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15mm x 12mm with a thickness of 3-4mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw industrial or artisanal form.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid irregular block construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Rudimentary casting followed by a mechanical clip or saw cut. Edges show slight burrs from the cutting process.
Authentication Indicators
Deep yellow color suggests high purity; the lack of 'brassing' at the cut edges suggests it is solid, not plated. Red flag: Visible dark oxidation spots need XRF verification to ensure they aren't base metal inclusions.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; appears to be a secondary melt from a jeweler or small-scale refiner.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern secondary market scrap.
Age Estimate
Modern (last 20 years) based on clean edges and lack of historical patina.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'melt value' aspect of gold culture, where the aesthetic of the object is secondary to the intrinsic value of the metal.
Condition Notes
Good; functional as bullion. Shows surface abrasions, micro-dents, and discoloration (possible iron or copper inclusion spots). Grade: Scrap.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value; calculated as (Weight x Spot Price x 0.95), currently estimated between $400 and $800 USD based on market fluctuations.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth; store separately from softer gemstone jewelry to prevent scratching. No polishing required as value is dictated by weight.
Similar Items
Gold casting grain, dore bars, or assay chips. Difference lies in the manual 'clipped' appearance of this piece.
Interesting Facts
Gold fragments like this, referred to as 'clipped gold,' have been used for thousands of years as a medium of exchange before the standardization of coinage.