Originally Posted by
9.3X62AL
So would I. What I was told, regarding Marlin Junky's colors question, was that the blue and gold coloration was a product of surface oxidation of alloy or melt constituents. I have seen it most vividly while melting unalloyed lead at elevated temps (800*-850*) to decrease viscosity thermally during casting sequences. The 'colors' disappear upon fluxing, and return slowly if the melt remains exposed to air during the pouring. The colors have had no negative effect during dipper casting for me. I cast at far lower temps (675*-750*) with lead/tin and lead/tin/antimony alloys, due to those mixes being more fluid at those lower temps. This was instruction from 1981, followed by observation and consistent outcomes since that time. If it is metallurgically-unsound information, I would appreciate being instructed further and more properly.