Analysis of the metallic composition of orofacial talismans

Abstract Four metallic talismans, commonly called “charm needles” in Southeast Asia, were surgically removed from the facial soft tissues of three patients. The talismans were found to be superfically placed and were not corroded. The average length of the needles was 8.14 mm, and average diameter was 0.47 mm. They were found to contain an average gold content of 89.75% and an average copper content of 10.25%.