# Amalgam gilding

The gold, present in a tiny quantity on the foot of the cross but very present visually, gives it a very special shine. These golden parts are obtained by the process of mercury gilding, the most common in the Middle Ages for goldsmith pieces. An amalgam of gold and mercury is used, which is applied to the metal. Then this amalgam is heated, the mercury evaporates and the gold adheres to the surface on which it spreads. Finally come the burnishing operations (to make it smooth and shiny) or polishing. The mercury gilding is homogeneous and solid.The gold, present in a tiny quantity on the foot of the cross but very present visually, gives it a very special shine. These golden parts are obtained by the process of mercury gilding, the most common in the Middle Ages for goldsmith pieces. An amalgam of gold and mercury is used, which is applied to the metal. Then this amalgam is heated, the mercury evaporates and the gold adheres to the surface on which it spreads. Finally come the burnishing operations (to make it smooth and shiny) or polishing. The mercury gilding is homogeneous and solid.

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