how to recycle gold?

Question

Hypothetically, let's say I want to set up a process for melting down junk jewelry and extracting whatever gold might be in it. Let's also keep in mind that I have a somewhat limited budget to work with and limited or no access to exotic reagents (high concentrate acids, heavy metals, etc) and even if I HAD access I don't have the experience to work with such chemicals safely.

There are a host of resources for melting/casting other metals (aluminum, bronze, etc) but almost nothing (that I can find at least) on melting or casting precious metals. The processes are not the same - melting precious metals requires special handling to minimize losses to oxidation, etc. but aside from that notation, I've found very little information on what the differences in the processes are.

Any clues on how to do it or where to look?

TIA

Answer 1

Here are a couple of sites
http://budgetcastingsupply.com
http://shorinternational.com/refining.htm

I do some metal refining and casting in my garage using a "flowerpot" furnace I built with instructions on the web and an ingot mold I purchased on Ebay. If one uses borox when melting precious metals it stops oxidation as well as removing some impurities. It takes research, practice, and patience, to become proficient. Casting and refining are two different arts and must be approached as such. Learn to refine then learn to cast to become successful.
Your refined buttons of gold won't spoil while you learn to cast.

Answer 2

churk norris can