Cast Raw Gold Button/Ingot
Raw Gold (Button/Grain/Ingot) · Yellow Gold; likely a natural alloy with small amounts of silver and copper.
Purity: Estimated 18K to 22K (75% to 91.6% purity); purity in raw cast form varies based on the source material or refining stage. Not hallmarked.
Type
Raw Gold (Button/Grain/Ingot)
Purity
Estimated 18K to 22K (75% to 91.6% purity); purity in raw cast form varies based on the source material or refining stage. Not hallmarked.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; likely a natural alloy with small amounts of silver and copper.
Weight
Estimated 15-30 grams (0.5 to 1.0 troy oz) based on the visual volume and density of gold.
Description
This is a raw gold button, likely formed by melting gold grains or scrap in a crucible and allowing it to cool. The piece exhibits a characteristic rounded 'button' shape caused by surface tension of the molten metal on a flat surface. The irregular surface texture with pitted gas pockets and cooling lines is indicative of a hand-poured process without the use of a vacuum casting machine. It shows a rich gold luster beneath a thin layer of thermal oxidation.
Key Features
Characteristic rounded button shape; unique cooling texture on the crown; visible surface impurities; high density appearance.
Color & Finish
Warm yellow with reddish/coppery surface oxidation and a frosted, semi-matte cast finish. Features a typical cooling 'scum' or crystalline surface texture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Typical for small-scale artisanal pours or unrefined mine buttons.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15mm-20mm in diameter; rounded nugget-like profile.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Smooth, monolithic metallic surface.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; non-jewelry item.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid cast form with rounded, organic edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-poured crucible casting. Proportions and texture are determined by the laws of physics (surface tension and cooling rate) rather than manual design.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic luster of high-karat gold; lack of 'flaking' suggests a solid piece; color consistency is typical for an unrefined alloy. Final authentication requires a specific gravity test or XRF analysis.
Origin & Maker
Artisanal/Private pour; unknown origin. Could be from a small mining operation or a jeweler's melt.
Era & Period
Contemporary artisanal production; likely produced via a simple crucible pour rather than industrial casting.
Age Estimate
Modern production; surface oxidation suggests exposure to air since cooling but no significant historic patina.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'raw' wealth of the mining industry; symbolic of the transition from natural mineral to standardized currency or jewelry.
Condition Notes
Grade: Raw/Bullion. Surface contains slight pits (gas bubbles) and cooling striations. No structural damage; purely metallic state.
Value Estimate
Primarily 'melt value' based on current gold spot prices. A slight premium might apply for its organic aesthetic, but most buyers would treat it as scrap or bullion.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a soft pouch to prevent scratching other items. Clean with warm soapy water if dirt accumulates. Do not polish if maintaining the unique cast texture is desired.
Similar Items
Gold nuggets (natural crystalline structures), minted gold bars (standardized weight/stamps), or jewelry casting grain (small irregular pellets).
Interesting Facts
Gold 'buttons' are the traditional form in which prospectors and small-scale miners transport gold before it is sent to a commercial refinery for high-purity processing into .999 bars.