Patio process

パティオ法 ／ patio process　—　Making

A silver refining method established in 1554. It involved spreading and mixing powdered ore and mercury in a courtyard, opening the way to extract silver even from low-grade ores.

A silver refining method established in Mexico in 1554. It involved spreading and mixing powdered ore and mercury in a courtyard (patio), opening the way to extract silver even from low-grade ores. It later spread to Potosí, boosting silver production in the New World.

⚠ An innovation in metallurgy changed the world's supply of silver and fueled the Price Revolution. Technology and prices are linked.