Often it is mentioned that the Great Pyramids were adorned with a pure gold(?) cap, so that it would shine bright, visible from miles away. I've tried some basic research into this and have mostly come up dry.
What all is known about these massive metal works? These would have theoretically weighed TONS, is there any data about their existence?
A fragmented inscription found near the pyramid of Udjebten mentions a gilded capstone (bnbn.t).
No known pyramidions from the old and middle kingdom exist that have a mechanism for a metal coating. So it is more likely that the inscription refers to the tip of an obelisk that once stood in or near the pyramid temple of the queen.
All found granite or basalt capstones that have a contraption for fixating a metal coating from the old kingdom are for obelisks and originate from royal disticts.
^G. ^Jequier, ^Oudjebten, ^4 ^f., ^16 ^und ^18, ^Fih. ^15, ^Urk. ^I,272
^Edwards, ^Pyramids, ^262
^Preliminary ^Report ^on ^Czechoslovak ^Excavations ^in ^the ^Mastaba ^of ^Ptahshepses ^at ^Abusir, ^1976, ^35