electrum

Electrum in Ancient Egypt

A gold-silver alloy which occurred naturally in Lydia, Punt, and Emu, electrum was worked and used similarly to gold: chariots, thrones, and offering-tables were wrought with it, the ceilings and roofs of temples were covered with it, and amulets, statues, and jewelry was fashioned from it. Electrum was also used to overlay obelisks, and there is some evidence that at least two obelisks were made entirely of electrum. Egyptian electrum had a silver content of about 20% with trace amounts of copper, and its color ranged from grey, green, or pale amber. Electrum was mentioned in an expedition sent by the 5th Dynasty pharaoh Sahure. The Blessing of Ptah says "I have wrought thy limbs of electrum . . ."

Egyptian Metals