Multiple metals are commonly mixed with gold to form alloys, enhancing its properties and creating various appearances.
Understanding Gold Alloys
Pure gold (24-karat) is very soft and malleable, making it unsuitable for most jewelry and practical applications. To increase its hardness, durability, and alter its color, gold is alloyed, or mixed, with other metals. This process results in a stronger, more versatile material with specific desired characteristics. The specific metal or combination of metals added can significantly influence the final color, strength, and working properties of the gold alloy.
Common Metals Alloyed with Gold
A wide range of metals are used in gold alloys, each contributing unique properties to the final product. The most common metals mixed with gold include:
- Zinc
- Copper
- Nickel
- Iron
- Cadmium
- Aluminium
- Silver
- Platinum
- Palladium
These metals are chosen based on the desired outcome, whether it's to achieve a specific color (like white gold or rose gold), increase hardness for everyday wear, or improve casting characteristics.
The Role of Color in Pure Metals
Interestingly, among the pure elements, gold and copper are unique in being the only two that possess distinct colors. Gold is naturally yellow, while copper exhibits a reddish-brown hue. This natural coloration plays a significant role when these metals are alloyed, especially in creating various shades of gold like rose gold (due to higher copper content) or green gold (due to silver and copper).
