[Jewelry making - Article 00963] - Re: [Orchid] Polishing Argentium - Removing Germanium Layer?

[John]

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Thank you for the replies,

    I certainly have enjoyed reading all of the information on Argentium
    from Cynthia, Trevor and also here on Orchid. 

    Cynthia, I took your suggestion and tested some round 20 gauge wire
    this morning. I did a 2 step polish with my 3M radial bristle discs
    (first peach, 6 microns, then light green, 1 micron) and finishing
    with Goddard's, I heat treated the wire in my over at 250 degrees for
    about 1/2 an hour. It appears that there was no visible
    discoloration. 

    I am planning to do more tests like this with a higher level of
    abrasions (maybe more like a 4 step polish) to see if discoloration
    occurs. This brings me to another question. If heating brings the
    germanium to the surface, why does the metal turn black when heat
    treating for hardening purposes at very high temperatures? 

Again, thanks for your thoughtful replies.
John
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