The process used by metal smith’s to refine gold involves heating the metal until it is molten, resembling liquid mercury, though blazing white hot. A pinch of borax is added to the now liquid gold and small patches of a different texture and molten color rise to the surface of the metal. They appear to be darker, swirling, and spinning rapidly as the impurities, or dross, are burned off in the extreme heat, leaving a pure and mailable metal. Continue reading “The Sweet Crescendo of His Refining Fire”