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Book of Mormon Central / Archive / KnoWhy #22 - What Kind of Ore did Nephi Use to Make the Plates? (1 Nephi 19:1)

KnoWhy #22 - What Kind of Ore did Nephi Use to Make the Plates? (1 Nephi 19:1)

TitleKnoWhy #22 - What Kind of Ore did Nephi Use to Make the Plates? (1 Nephi 19:1)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2016
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsGeology; Metal; Ore; Plates; Tumbaga
Abstract

Nephi says he made his “plates of ore” after finding gold, silver, and copper ore deposits. In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, an alloy called tumbaga was popular. This alloy consisted primarily of gold and copper, and sometimes included silver. Plates of tumbaga would fit witness descriptions of the weight and appearance of the plates. Tumbaga also had a number of practical advantages over plates of pure gold, while maintaining the “golden” look appropriate for a sacred object.
URLhttp://www.knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-kind-of-ore-did-nephi-use-to-make-the-plates
Citation Key1191

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Scripture Reference

1 Nephi 19:1