New Platinum-Gold Alloy Could Be the Hardest Metal Ever Made . . . and One of the Rarest
Have you heard about the new alloy of platinum and gold that is said to be the most indestructible metal ever made . . . one that is as hard as diamonds and virtually abrasion-proof? We have heard about it too. It sounds like a hoax. After all, gold is a very soft metal. Platinum can easily be scratched, as owners of platinum engagement rings have discovered. So how can it be that combining these two not-so-durable metals could result in a super-metal that is virtually indestructible?
The Platinum-Gold Alloy Is Not a Hoax
Difficult as it is to believe, this new super-durable alloy really does exist. You can read about it in an article entitled “Achieving Ultralow Wear with Stable Nanocrystalline Metals.” Here is the key information you need to know.
The alloy was developed by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy working at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
It is probably the most wear-resistant alloy ever created, with a hardness that approaches that of diamonds.
The hardness of the alloy is achieved by exposing it to extremely high temperatures of about 500⁰C (nearly 1000⁰F) for a minimum of 24 hours in a vacuum chamber. This process causes the crystalline structure of the metal to change, creating structures so strong and hard that they are almost completely resistant to abrasion.
The alloy is also a great conductor of electricity. That means that it will probably find its way into a variety of electronic devices in the future.
Its great wear resistance will make it desirable for a variety of aerospace applications. Thin layers of it, for example, could be used in friction points on devices that are used on the exteriors of spacecraft, where the vacuum makes it virtually impossible to reduce friction through the use of petroleum lubricants.
So, Where Is this New Super Alloy Today?
The answer to that question is, practically nowhere, because it hasn’t been produced in large quantities, or used in many places.
However if you would like to make money recycling jewelry that contains both gold and platinum, you can still find a variety of pieces, usually beautiful pieces that visually contrast the pure white of platinum with the rich hues of rose or yellow gold. If you discover jewelry like that and don’t know what it is or what metals it contains, call our precious metals consultants at 800-426-2344 to learn how to have it tested and evaluated.
You might not find anything made of the new miraculous platinum-gold alloy yet. But profitable discoveries are out there waiting for you. And when you find them, give us a call.
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