Gold is one of the world’s most precious and enduring metals — but before it gleams in bars or fine jewelry, it must undergo a complex and fascinating transformation. Whether you're a jeweler, investor, or simply curious about the value of gold scrap, understanding how a gold refinery works can help you make more informed decisions.
At Melting Bar, we specialize in turning gold scrap into pure bullion with precision, speed, and full transparency. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the gold refining process works from start to finish.
A gold refinery is a facility where raw gold — often in the form of scrap jewelry, dental gold, or industrial materials — is processed and purified into high-purity bullion. These operations are essential to the precious metals market and to industries that depend on recycled gold.
Every gold refining process begins with careful weighing and inspection. At Melting Bar, we accept a wide range of gold-bearing materials — including karat jewelry (10k, 14k, 18k, etc.), coins, bars, and even manufacturing dust or sweeps.
You don’t need to separate your items by karat; we handle the sorting and testing for you. However, if you'd like specific items processed separately, we’re happy to accommodate that.
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The sorted gold is placed in a high-temperature furnace and melted down into a uniform liquid. This stage — known as the melt — eliminates visible contaminants and prepares the metal for accurate testing.
Once melted, a sample is drawn using precise dipping methods. This sample is then analyzed to determine the metal content using fire assay or X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
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Assaying is the heart of the refining process. Using advanced testing — typically fire assay or XRF — we determine the precise purity of the metal. Fire assay remains the industry gold standard for its exceptional accuracy, especially with karat scrap.
Results are verified against any declared karat value, and a settlement report is generated for the customer.
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In some cases, gold undergoes additional chemical refining to reach bullion-grade purity — typically 99.9% or higher. This may involve acid refining, electrolysis, or aqua regia depending on the material type.
The final product? High-purity gold bars or casting grains, ready for resale, investment, or fabrication.
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At Melting Bar, we prioritize fast turnarounds, fair pricing, and complete transparency. We provide detailed reports and offer flexible payment options — including cash, wire transfer, check, or refined bullion, depending on your preference.
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Working with a local refinery like Melting Bar has major benefits: faster service, no middlemen, and the option to observe your melt and assay in person. We proudly serve jewelers, pawn shops, collectors, and individuals with all refining needs — from single items to bulk lots.
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Gold refining is both a science and an art — one that transforms outdated or broken gold into valuable, pure bullion. At Melting Bar, we aim to make this process clear, honest, and rewarding for every customer.
Have questions about refining your gold? Ready to schedule a melt?
Contact us today or visit our Philadelphia refinery to learn more.