1 In precious metal alloy systems, low values of partition coefficient, k, should be a warning that larger than expected degrees of microsegregation are likely.
2 Using two different methods of estimation, values of 0.02 and 0.0165 were obtained for the silicon partition coefficient in 9K and 14K gold alloys respectively.
3 Using the ideal, non-equilibrium solidification model, it is estimated that a safe range for silicon concentration in 14 karat gold jewelry which will not result in the extensive formation of silicon-rich particles lies approximately in the range of 0.04-0.08 wt%.
4 Copper, silver, and silicon were found to be the most severely segregated elements in 14K jewelry alloys.