Reply #20: Base metals theoretically can be transmitted into gold. You just need [View All]

[lindisfarne]

to get the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons right - something that technically can be done (not economically though). See http://www.gold.org/discover/knowledge/faqs/index.html

12. Alchemy: Can base metals be turned into gold?

All metal atoms are made of the same building blocks of protons, neutrons and electrons, but in different quantities, so in theory it could be possible to change base metals into gold or any other metal of value to mankind. In practice, it is achieved only in nuclear reactions, where heavy radioactive metals decay into other lighter elements, including some isotopes of gold. However, man's ancient dream of turning base metals into gold is not a practical proposition. So it remains a dream!