Effects of iridium content on the physical,microstructure, and assay of gold alloys during the cupellation process

The aim of the present study is developing a simple, commercially available, and inexpensive method for detecting the presence of Ir in gold alloys during the cupellation process to avoid errors in gold assays. In the presence of Ir, the reported gold karat is higher than its actual amount. It is, therefore, economically important to detect Ir in gold alloys because of its lower price than gold. The present study was implemented to investigate the effects of Ir in a gold alloy both on its assay during the cupellation process and on its appearance and microstructural transformations. Visual inspection revealed that the upper surface of Ir-containing beads is typically matte and coarse with black rough cavities of an irregular oval-like shape. Also, the observation of dark spots and lines on just one side of rolled beads, as well as blister-like appendages on parted and annealed cornets, were found to signify the presence of Ir in gold alloys. X-ray analysis along the vertical section of the bead indicated that the amount of Ir on the surface was negligible as it was mainly concentrated at a distance of about 75% from the top of the bead. After the parting and annealing steps, Ir forms cubic-like structures surrounded by fcc Au sponge-like structures. As a consequence, both visual and microstructural examinations of gold alloys during the cupellation process might be used as simple and useful strategies to identify the presence of Ir in gold alloys to prevent incorrect karat reports.