Category:Quartation

Quar*ta"tion, n. Etym: [l. quartus the fourth: cf. F. quartation. So Called because usually enough silver is added to make the amount of Gold in the alloyed button about one fourth.] (chem. & assaying)

Defn: the act, process, or result (in the process of parting) of Alloying a button of nearly pure gold with enough silver to reduce The fineness so as to allow acids to attack and remove all metals Except the gold; -- called also inquartation. Compare parting.