Know Your Platinum

PLATINUM FAST FACTS
Did you know that platinum is: 

• So flexible that one gram of the metal can produce fine wire more than a mile long.
• Used in many other applications, notably catalytic converters in most cars worldwide.
• So rare that 10 tons of ore must be mined before producing a single ounce of platinum and the process takes eight weeks.
• Immortalized by the ancient Egyptians in their most precious works of art dating 2,500 years ago.
• More resistant to wear and tear than gold or silver, due to its heavier weight and density.
• So versatile it is used in medicine and industry for its catalytic, physical, and hypoallergenic properties.
• Found in Africa, Russia, and North America in deposits three-quarters of a mile deep beneath the earth’s surface.
• So dense that a six-inch cube of platinum weighs 165 pounds!

1. 
   
   
   Platinum is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Pt and an atomic number of 78. Its name is derived from the Spanish term platina, which is literally translated into "little silver". Wikipedia Symbol: Pt
2. Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1
3. Melting point: 3,215°F (1,768°C)
   Discovered: 1735
   
4. Atomic number: 78
5. Discoverer: Antonio de Ulloa
6. Atomic mass: 195.084 u

Corn Starch Beads

Ingredient List:

• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups table salt
• 1 cup cornstarch
• acrylic paint of your choice
• gloss glaze
• thick needle

Directions:

1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a pot.  Turn off heat and quickly add cornstarch.  Stir until it becomes a sticky paste.
2. After you let this cool a bit, pick it up and start to shape the dough in your hands.  Add more cornstarch to get the right consistency, if needed.
3. Roll beads to whatever size and shape you would like.
4. Once the beads are rolled out to desired shape and size, use a thick needle to poke a hole all the way through each bead.
5. Let them dry for 24 to 48.  This depends on how large you make them.  The larger ones will take the most time to dry, obviously.
6. Once completely dry, you can leave them white or choose to paint them.  Don't forget to finish with a  coat of clear glossy glaze.

This recipe was found on the website thriftyfun.com.  

Note:  This website is a must see!  They have much more than just crafting ideas.  You can post a question and the self proclaimed "everyday experts"  will offer up any information on the subject they can share.  They also have monthly contests  where you can win some money.  A newsletter sign up will keep you well informed of all the happenings.  I highly recommend it!.

Simple Formula To Figure Gold's Worth

     With this formula you'll  be able to figure out what your gold is worth before taking it to sell.  You'll know exactly what kind of deal your getting.  Don't be afraid to shop around and get the best price.  This is how the pros figure it's worth.

1. Weigh it with a gram scale.
2. Get today's price of gold from one of the many websites that offer it free.
3. Divide that price by 31.1 to get the gram weight.  (gold price is listed in troy ounces, 31.1 grams)
4. Divide the karat by 24.
5. Multiply the result of step 4 by the result of step 3 by the result of step 1.
6. Now you know how much your piece of gold is worth if it was melted down.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!