History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t9.1

v1.c13.s2.t9.1

Naturally occurring ‘electrum’ i.e. Au-Ag alloy was known to Harappan people but in latter period Au-Ag alloys (45-to 90% Au) were deliberately prepared to obtain a variety of colours and shades in the Gold ornaments and other domestic as well as decoration pieces. Today it is known that Au-Ag form a complete range of binary solid solution with lowering in the melting point of the alloy. Addition of Silver also increases the hardness and wear resistance of the alloy.