24 karat gold, the cochano is known as gold in its raw state, and of greater value, which is commonly found in the Guiana massif, located northeast of South America. The cochano is also known as amalgamated gold, and is collected with mercury, being characterized by its fine constitution.
In addition to solid gold, it is known in a lower value version, such as 18 karat. The way corresponding to its differentiation is that a carat indicates 1/24 part by weight of the precious metal according to the alloy from which it is joined. That is, while 18-karat gold has 18 parts of gold, with the rest being another precious metal, 24-karat gold represents gold in its highest pure state.
In nature, Cochano is found in a free or combined form, both in quartz veins and in secondary alluvium deposits. Although its deposits are small, their abundance has catapulted Callao into the mining field, occupying 75% of its land area.
Gold has been a fundamental ally of man since the beginning of civilizations. Being popular due to its great resistance to corrosive effects, in turn, that handling it represents an easier action compared to other materials, it is also worth noting that the extraction process that gold requires requires less investment than the rest of the materials. precious elements, such as diamonds or gems.
Specifically, the easiest process to extract gold in its natural state is by panning. Using a circular fountain with a small cavity at the bottom, the seeker of this great treasure will proceed to fill his fountain with sand and gravel, inside which he will find small particles of gold intermingled. After constant agitation, you will be able to separate the natural elements from the valuable mineral, since while the gravel and sand will run along with the water, the bits of gold will go to the bottom of the pan.
The first recognized use of gold is in the manufacture of coins.. The way to value gold corresponds to the troy ounce unit, which in grams is equal to 31.1. According to the progress of societies, gold also managed to reach the design of ornamental garments, for which it has been necessary to create alloys together with other materials in order to provide greater hardness to its natural constitution. Although in the minting of coins 90% gold is mixed with 10% silver, in the case of jewelry, it is also necessary to add a percentage of copper, zinc, nickel or platinum.
Solid, solid, and great valuespreading in the Venezuelan state of Bolívar, the main samples of the cochano gold They are found in greater abundance in El Callao, recognized worldwide as an important mining and gold district.