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Micro-probe Analysis and the Study of Greek Gold–Silver–Copper Alloys

Nature volume 231, pages 443–444 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

Two basically gold–silver alloys1 were known to the Greeks and Romans: (1) “white gold”2—a haphazard mixture derived from grains of weathered auriferous ore3; and (2) “electrum”4—an alloy of controlled quality.

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References

  1. Healy, J. F., Congrès Intern. de Numismatique, Actes II, 529 (1957).

  2. Herodotus, I., 50, 2 (λɛνκòς χρνσóς).

  3. Strabo, XI, ii, 19, and Isidorus, Origines XVI, xxiv.

  4. Pliny, Natural History, XXXIII, 80, and Isidorus, ibid. (χρνσíoν ηλɛκτρoν, and electrum).

  5. Inscriptiones Graecae, XII (2), 1; Tod, M. N., Greek Historical Inscriptions, II, 112.

  6. Healy, J. F., J. Hellenic Studies, LXXVII, Part 2, 267 (1957).

  7. Congrès Intern. de Numismatique, Actes II, 533 (1957).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Johnson, Matthey and Co. Ltd, Research Laboratories, Exhibition Grounds, Wembley, Middlesex

    A. S. DARLING

  2. Department of Classics, Royal Holloway College, University of London, Englefield Green, Surrey

    J. F. HEALY

Authors
  1. A. S. DARLING
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  2. J. F. HEALY
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DARLING, A., HEALY, J. Micro-probe Analysis and the Study of Greek Gold–Silver–Copper Alloys. Nature 231, 443–444 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/231443a0

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