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How to Smelt Gold & Copper Flux

Gold and copper form the basis for most jewelry. Gold is too soft to be used alone. Copper gives it hardness and, in some applications, a slightly different color. Both can be smelted when required. Old jewelry can be melted, molded into ingots and sold.

Things You'll Need

  • Flux
  • Torch
  • Crucible
  • Protective gloves, eye protection and heavy clothing
  • Tongs
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Instructions

  1. Melting Gold

    • 1

      Mix the flux with the gold or copper in the ratio given in the instructions which came with the flux. Put the mixture in a graphite crucible.

    • 2

      Cover the mixture with a layer of flux to keep the air blast from the torch from blowing the gold away. Gold often comes in the form of flakes. An errant blast of air can scatter several hundred dollars of gold in a few seconds.

    • 3

      Place the crucible on a cement slab.

    • 4

      Light the torch. Wear protective eyewear, protective gloves and heavy clothing.

    • 5

      Move the torch into the crucible gently, melting the flux across its entire surface, then direct the flame onto the gold, copper and flux.

    • 6

      Pour the gold and copper into molds with the tongs.

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