LemonTrades
TL;DR
- Pure gold melts at 1,064°C, or 1,948°F.
- Karat gold usually melts lower, because mixing in other metals lowers the melting point: 14K melts at around 880°C (about 1,615°F).
- “Melt value” is what the gold in a piece is worth at the spot price, whether or not anyone melts it.
- LemonTrades follows the gold price for you and tells you what moved it, and why, within seconds.
Gold’s melting point is low enough for ancient goldsmiths to reach, which is part of why it’s been used for thousands of years.
| Metal | Melts at (°C) | Melts at (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Pure gold (24K) | 1,064° | 1,948° |
| 22K gold | About 965° | About 1,770° |
| 18K yellow gold | About 925° | About 1,700° |
| 14K yellow gold | About 880° | About 1,615° |
| 10K yellow gold | About 905° | About 1,665° |
| Silver | 962° | 1,763° |
| Copper | 1,085° | 1,984° |
| Platinum | 1,768° | 3,215° |
Karat figures are approximate, and they vary with the exact mix of metals. White gold often melts higher, especially with palladium.
Why karat gold melts at a lower temperature
Mixing metals usually lowers the melting point, because the mix of different atoms is easier to break apart. That’s why jewelers use lower-melting gold alloys as solder to join pieces of higher-karat gold.
How gold gets melted
Refiners and jewelers use a graphite or ceramic crucible, an induction or gas furnace, and a flux to help pull out impurities. It’s dangerous without training: the heat and fumes can seriously hurt you, so this isn’t a home project.
What is melt value?
Melt value is simply the value of the gold in a piece at today’s price. You don’t have to melt anything to use it: it’s the starting point for any offer. See how much 14K gold is worth and who buys gold near me.
A few more gold facts
- It boils at around 2,850°C, about 5,160°F.
- It’s very dense: 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter. See how much a gold bar weighs.
- It doesn’t rust or tarnish. See does gold tarnish?.
- It isn’t magnetic. See is gold magnetic?.
Sources
Education, not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
