The goldsmiths also employ a chrysocolla[1] of their own, for
the purpose of soldering gold; and it is from this chrysocolla,
they say, that all the other substances, which present a similar
green, have received their name. This preparation is made
from verdigris of Cyprian copper, the urine of a youth who
has not arrived at puberty, and a portion of nitre.[2] It is then
pounded with a pestle of Cyprian copper, in a copper mortar,
and the name given to the mixture is "santerna." It is in this
way that the gold known as "silvery"[3] gold is soldered; one
sign of its being so alloyed being its additional brilliancy on
the application of santerna. If, on the other hand, the gold
is impregnated with copper, it will contract, on coming in
contact with the santerna, become dull, and only be soldered
with the greatest difficulty: indeed, for this last kind of gold,
there is a peculiar solder employed, made of gold and one-
seventh
part of silver, in addition to the materials above-mentioned,
the whole beaten up together.
1.
2.
3.