Aranykeverés
Aranykeverés is a Hungarian term that translates to "gold mixing" or "gold blending." It most commonly refers to the process of alloying gold with other metals to create different karats and colors of gold. Pure gold, known as 24-karat gold, is very soft and malleable, making it unsuitable for most jewelry and other applications. Therefore, it is mixed with metals such as copper, silver, nickel, and zinc to increase its durability and to achieve various shades like yellow, white, rose, or green gold. The specific proportions of these alloying metals determine the final karat value and color of the gold. For instance, 14-karat gold typically consists of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. The practice of aranykeverés is ancient, with early civilizations already alloying gold to create more practical and aesthetically diverse materials. This process is fundamental to the goldsmithing and jewelry industries worldwide, allowing for a wide range of gold products with varying properties and appearances.