The hardness and microstructural changes by cooling rate in a Pd-free Au-Pt-Zn alloy containing minor ingredients during firing cycles were elucidated by characterizing the age-hardening behavior and age-hardenability, phase transformation and microstructural changes during aging process, changes in hardness after simulated firing with various cooling rates, changes in hardness and microstructure after simulated complete firing with controlled cooling rate. The age-hardening and softening mechanisms of a Pd-free Au-Pt-Zn alloy were homogeneous grain-interior precipitation of the Pt-rich phase and the subsequent lamellar-forming grain boundary reaction, respectively. The lamellar structure was composed of the Pt-depleted Au-rich α1’ matrix layer and the Pt-rich α3 precipitate layer, and the growth of lamellar structure was directly connected with the decrease in hardness. The maximum hardness value was obtained at stage 1 after simulated firing with various cooling rates (ice quenching, quick cooling, stage 0, stage 1, stage 2, stage 3). After simulated complete firing with controlled cooling rate (stage 1), the hardness value of t he solution-treated specimen increased apparently from 89.3 (Hv) t o 170 (Hv) without apparent lamellar-forming grain boundary reaction. It is advisable to control the cooling rate in the final firing stage of the complete firing cycles.