![]() ![]() Electrum was often referred to as " white gold" in ancient times, but could be more accurately described as "pale gold", as it is usually pale yellow or yellowish-white in color. It is from amber’s electrostatic properties that the modern English words "electron" and "electricity" are derived. ![]() The same word was also used for the substance amber, likely because of the pale yellow color of certain varieties. The name "electrum" is the Latinized form of the Greek word ἤλεκτρον ( ḗlektron), mentioned in the Odyssey referring to a metallic substance consisting of gold alloyed with silver. ![]() For several decades, the medals awarded with the Nobel Prize have been made of gold-plated green gold. The first known metal coins made were of electrum, dating back to the end of the 7th century or the beginning of the 6th century BC. It was also used in the making of ancient drinking vessels. Įlectrum was used as early as the third millennium BC in Old Kingdom of Egypt, sometimes as an exterior coating to the pyramidions atop ancient Egyptian pyramids and obelisks. It has been produced artificially, and is also known as " green gold". Its color ranges from pale to bright yellow, depending on the proportions of gold and silver. 625–600 BC ( Louvre)Įlectrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper and other metals. Brooch with a griffin protome, from the necropolis of Kameiros, Rhodes, c. ![]()
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