If borax is not available, what can be substituted for gold?

There is no direct substitute for borax when it comes to gold refining. Borax is commonly used in the process of melting and purifying gold because it helps to lower the melting point of the gold and allows impurities to be easily removed.

However, if borax is not available, some alternatives that can be used include baking soda, soda ash, or even plain table salt. These substances can help to lower the melting point of the gold and aid in the removal of impurities, although they may not be as effective as borax. It is important to note that using alternative substances may result in a lower quality of refined gold.

Borax is used as a flux in soldering, which is a process of joining two pieces of metal together using a third metal with a lower melting point. Borax helps to clean and protect the metal surfaces, and it also helps the solder to flow more easily.

If borax is not available, there are a few other substances that can be used as a substitute. These include:

- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkali that can help to clean and protect metal surfaces. It is also a good flux for soldering copper and brass.
- Potassium carbonate (potash): Potassium carbonate is a stronger alkali than sodium bicarbonate, and it can be used to clean and protect metal surfaces that are more heavily oxidized. It is also a good flux for soldering iron and steel.
- Zinc chloride: Zinc chloride is a strong acid that can help to clean and activate metal surfaces. It is a good flux for soldering aluminum and other metals that are difficult to solder.

When using a substitute for borax, it is important to test it on a small area of the metal first to make sure that it does not damage the metal. It is also important to use the substitute in moderation, as too much flux can weaken the solder joint.