Gold cast bars, commonly known as gold ingots, are investment-grade gold bars produced by pouring molten gold into molds and allowing it to solidify naturally. They represent the oldest, most cost-efficient form of bullion used globally by central banks, bullion banks, refineries, and large private investors.
Cast bars prioritize metal content, liquidity, and cost efficiency over surface finish or aesthetic appearance.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Typical Content |
|---|---|
| Gold (Au) | 99.5 – 99.99% |
| Silver (Ag) | Trace |
| Copper (Cu) | Trace |
| PGMs / Others | Trace |
✔ No intentional alloying
✔ Impurities strictly controlled by assay
Key Physical Properties (Gold)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 19.30 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1,064 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~318 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~70% IACS |
| Thermal Expansion | 14.2 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 20 – 30 HV |
| Tensile Strength | 100 – 180 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~90 MPa |
| Elongation | > 45% |
| Impact Resistance | High (ductile) |
Surface dents, scratches, and casting marks are normal and do not affect bullion value.
Manufacturing Process
Doré refining → Miller / Wohlwill refining → induction melting → pouring into graphite or steel molds → controlled cooling → bar trimming & cleaning → stamping (weight, purity, serial) → assaying & certification.
Available Sizes & Finish
Common Sizes:
400 oz (London Good Delivery), 1 kg, 500 g, 250 g, 100 g, 50 g
Surface Finish:
✔ Matte or rough texture
✔ Natural casting marks
✔ Non-polished appearance
Cast vs Minted Gold Bars
| Feature | Cast Bars | Minted Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Poured into mold | Rolled & pressed |
| Surface Finish | Rough | Smooth |
| Hardness | Lower | Higher |
| Premium | Lowest | Higher |
| Typical Size | Medium–Large | Small–Medium |
| Target Market | Institutional | Retail |
Why Choose Gold Cast Bars?
Gold cast bars are the most cost-efficient way to own physical gold. They maximize metal content per unit of currency, offer global liquidity, and are universally accepted in professional bullion markets. For large investments and long-term storage, cast bars remain the preferred bullion format worldwide.