Ancient gold / platinum dagger found [Archive] - The Knife Network Forums : Knife Making Discussions

B.Finnigan

08-07-2006, 07:14 PM

It is also possible that the platinum may have been in the gold allready. I have done alot of prospecting and there are areas that have alot of PGM's that are mixed in with the fine flour gold. The article did not say what the percentages were. If it was more then 5-10% platinum then that would be a strong argument that is was purposely alloyed in. In flour gold it is hard to differentiate the PGM's. After you clear the mag and non mag hematite out you just assume that all that is left is gold.

Platinum was not even discovered until 1735 in South America and the extracting and refining process is very complex. I seriousely doubt that any civilization 5000 yrs ago were able to extract, refine and then alloy it with gold. There is over a 1000 degree temp gradient between the two metals melting temps.

Either way it is a very cool find. To knife makers those articles are always a tease because they never get into the nitty gritty.


The Knife Network Forums : Knife Making Discussions > Custom Knife Discussion Boards > Knife Making Discussions > Historical Inspiration > Ancient gold / platinum dagger found PDA View Full Version : Ancient gold / platinum dagger found J.Arthur Loose 08-07-2006, 08:20 AM ~ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5251266.stm Drac 08-07-2006, 08:51 AM Wish I could see a bigger picture of the knife. Thanks for finding it, Jim Ed Fowler 08-07-2006, 09:26 AM Quite a find, I followed the stories associated with the one you listed, beautiful stuff, well worth visiting. Thanks for sharing. McAhron 08-07-2006, 02:11 PM Very cool:smokin Does the platinum make the gold significantly harder? B.Finnigan 08-07-2006, 07:14 PM It is also possible that the platinum may have been in the gold allready. I have done alot of prospecting and there are areas that have alot of PGM's that are mixed in with the fine flour gold. The article did not say what the percentages were. If it was more then 5-10% platinum then that would be a strong argument that is was purposely alloyed in. In flour gold it is hard to differentiate the PGM's. After you clear the mag and non mag hematite out you just assume that all that is left is gold. Platinum was not even discovered until 1735 in South America and the extracting and refining process is very complex. I seriousely doubt that any civilization 5000 yrs ago were able to extract, refine and then alloy it with gold. There is over a 1000 degree temp gradient between the two metals melting temps. Either way it is a very cool find. To knife makers those articles are always a tease because they never get into the nitty gritty.