Tarnish resistance, corrosion and stress corrosion cracking of gold alloys

Abstract

Tarnishing, corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of gold alloys are related phenomena. They present problems when they occur in gold jewellery, dental gold alloys and electronic devices. They are exploited, however, in the depletion gilding and finishing of gold jewellery; and in the extraction, refining and fire assaying of gold. There is still much that is not known about these phenomena, but a coherent picture of their mechanisms is emerging as a result of studies of not only gold alloys themselves, but also of other alloys. Aspects of this development are discussed. © 1996 World Gold Council.