Artificial Gold
A French substitute for gold is made as follows: Melt copper, 100; then add separately and by degrees, in powder, magnesia 6; sal-ammoniac 4 1/2; quick-lime 1/8; tartar 9; and stir half an hour--after which add zinc, or, preferably, tin 17. Mix well, and continue the fusing for 35 minutes, with the crucible well covered before casting. This alloy does not corrode easily; when it does tarnish its former brilliancy can be restored by dipping in acid solution. See GOLD ALLOYS.