A 14K yellow gold, silicon-deoxidized casting alloy was directionally solidified in a hot mould approximately 1 1/2 inches (38mm) in diameter and 6 1/2 inches (165mm) long. The mould was made from gypsum bonded investment and heated to about 1200°F (649°C). It was placed on a water-cooled chill and filled with metal by a direct pour through its open top. After filling, the exposed top of the metal was covered with an insulating blanket. In this way, a sample of material with large columnar grains with known orientations was produced for use in subsequent studies.