ASTM B562-95 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM B562‑95(2021) — Standard Specification for Refined Gold. This specification defines the chemical purity grades, acceptable impurity limits, form (cast bars and other unfabricated commercial forms), and sampling/assessment practices for refined gold produced by any refining process capable of meeting the specified composition requirements.

Abstract

This standard covers refined gold of Grades 99.5, 99.95, 99.99, and 99.995 (expressed as fineness), typically supplied in cast bar form. It specifies minimum gold content for each grade, maximum allowable concentrations for selected impurities, acceptable sample forms for chemical assessment (for example shots or pins taken from the melt), and the use of inch‑pound units as the primary system.

General information

• Status: Active / reapproved (current edition: B562‑95(2021)).
• Publication date: Reapproved/issued 2021 (document page lists November 1, 2021 / reapproval 2021).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.120.99 — Other non‑ferrous metals and their alloys (precious metals category).
• Edition / version: Designation B562‑95, reapproved 2021 (often shown as B562‑95(2021)).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (concise specification).

Scope

Applies to refined gold in cast bar form (and other unfabricated commercial forms unless excluded by agreement), establishing four fineness grades: Grade 99.5 (fineness 995), Grade 99.95 (999.5), Grade 99.99 (999.9), and Grade 99.995 (999.95). The standard sets composition requirements (minimum gold content and maximum limits for selected impurities), sampling guidance for chemical assessment, and notes that values are given in inch‑pound units as the standard.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined fineness/grades: 99.5, 99.95, 99.99, and 99.995 (minimum gold content per grade).
• Chemical requirements: maximum allowable concentrations for common trace elements (examples include limits for silver, copper, palladium, iron, lead, silicon, bismuth and others — specific maxima vary by grade and are given in the standard’s composition table).
• Sampling and assessment: chemical assessment samples may be taken from the melt before pouring (shots, pins, or alternative mutually agreed methods).
• Units and measurement: inch‑pound units are the normative system; SI conversions may be provided for information.
• Applicability: intended for refiners, assayers, bullion producers and purchasers where defined fineness and impurity limits are required.

Typical use and users

Used by precious‑metals refiners, mint and bullion producers, assay laboratories, bullion traders and dealers, jewelry manufacturers, and procurement/specification engineers who need a concise chemical specification for refined gold in commercial bars. The standard is also referenced in medical‑device and electronics component specifications where high‑purity gold feedstock is required.

Related standards

Other ASTM specifications and test methods commonly referenced alongside B562 include standards for refined silver and platinum (for example ASTM B413 for refined silver and ASTM B561 for refined platinum), and test methods for determining gold content such as ASTM E1335 (fire assay methods and related assay practice). The committee responsible is B02.05 (Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials), which maintains several precious‑metal specifications.

Keywords

gold, refined gold, fineness, bullion, cast bars, purity, assay, grades 99.5/99.95/99.99/99.995, chemical composition, ASTM B562.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B562‑95(2021) is a concise specification that defines accepted grades (fineness) and maximum impurity limits for refined gold supplied in cast bar or other unfabricated commercial forms.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers minimum gold content for four fineness grades, chemical impurity maxima for selected elements, sampling methods for chemical assessment (shots/pins or by agreement), and unit conventions (inch‑pound normative).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Refiners, mints, bullion dealers, assay laboratories, jewelry and electronics manufacturers, and procurement/specification teams that require standardized definitions of gold purity and impurity limits.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation B562‑95(2021) indicates the original 1995 document was reapproved in 2021; the standard is listed as active/reapproved in 2021. Users should check ASTM records for any amendments or later reapproval actions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained by ASTM Committee B02 (subcommittee B02.05 on precious metals and electrical contact materials) and is one of several refined‑metal specifications (for example refined silver, refined platinum) and related test methods managed by the same committee.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Gold, refined gold, fineness, bullion, cast bars, assay, purity, chemical composition, ASTM B562.