Everything about gold: what types and colors are there, what it looks like and what composition it has

Interesting

Gold has been known to man for a very long time. Archaeologists attribute the most ancient finds to the Neolithic era - V-IV millennium BC. A wide variety of things were made from this metal - household and ritual items, weapons, religious attributes, and, of course, money and jewelry. For the sake of owning gold, wars were fought, foreign lands were seized, peoples were destroyed and new unexplored territories were mastered. Its history is closely intertwined with the history of mankind.

Basic properties of gold

So what is gold? It's metal bright yellow color with a pronounced luster.

Gold is characterized by:

  • high softness, plasticity, malleability and ductility. Due to these properties, the metal is easily amenable to various types of processing;
  • high density and high weight. This property is used in gold mining;
  • low electrical resistance, which led to the spread of metal in electronic devices;
  • high polishability and reflectivity, as a result of which gold plating is sometimes used as protection against radiation.

The Latin name for the chemical element "gold" in the periodic table is Aurum (Au). The atomic number of the aurum is 79.

Gold belongs to the noble metals due to its high inertness - resistance to the effects of other elements and compounds.

What raw gold looks like in nature

Gold is a very common element in real life. Although in scanty quantities, it is found even in plants and organisms of people and animals. Quite a large concentration of gold in sea water, however, unfortunately, there is no way to obtain it.

The emergence of gold deposits associated with processes in the earth's crust. So, volcanic activity led to the fact that magma from the bowels of the earth rose to the surface and solidified. If gold was present in its composition, then, due to its fusibility, it was “pressed through” through more refractory elements and solidified on top of other rocks. Such primary deposits are called ore, or indigenous. With this origin, natural gold without processing is found in rocks in the form of inclusions, inclusions or veins.

Over time, ore deposits were exposed to the external environment. The greatest influence on gold ore was exerted by water, which gradually destroyed the rock and carried away its particles with it. Due to the large weight of gold, they precipitated and accumulated in difficult places. Water washed out lighter elements from them, leaving only gold grains and particles of various shapes. These secondary deposits are called alluvial. "Golden sand" of a rather small fraction - this is what raw gold of this origin looks like.

One of the forms of finding gold in nature is in the form of nuggets.

Nuggets are no longer just sand, they are solid pieces of metal of arbitrary shape. They can be either small - weighing a few grams, or simply gigantic - tens of kilograms. They contain various amounts impurities.

Alloy gold

Mined raw gold, which has undergone primary washing with water from light particles of other minerals, is called schlich. In the future, such a metal is subjected to melting and purification.

Gold refining - what is it

To obtain the so-called refined gold purified from impurities, various technologies are used based on its physical and chemical properties. Depending on the complexity of the processes and the necessary safety measures, cleaning can be carried out both in ordinary household conditions and in laboratory and industrial ones.

Refining by electrolysis is the safest and most inexpensive method that provides high quality cleaning.

In general, there are three gold refining process:

  • Dry (Miller method) . It is based on the use of gaseous chlorine, which, reacting with impurity metals, forms volatile compounds with them. These fumes, like chlorine itself, are highly toxic. Therefore, such a process requires professional exhaust equipment.
  • Wet (chemical) . Based on the property of gold to react with aqua regia, which is a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids. Metals are dissolved in it, the resulting solution is filtered in a special way, and gold in the form of a precipitate is then recoverable.
  • Electrolytic (electrolysis) . It consists in the dissolution of the anode from the gold being purified and the subsequent deposition of its particles on the cathode under the action of an electric current. The solution for electrolysis includes chlorine gold (gold dissolved in aqua regia). This method gives the greatest effect on already sufficiently pure raw materials.

Karat gold - what is it

The quality of a gold alloy is evaluated using sample systems. Thus, the manufacturer declares the amount of pure gold in the product and guarantees this content.

Two systems are currently in use: carat (e.g. USA, Canada) and metric (for example, in Russia, CIS countries). Both are based on the same principle.

The number of carats in gold or the value of the sample depends on the presence of foreign metals in it. So, 24 ct gold is practically pure gold, its mass should be 99,9–100% of the total mass of the alloy. In the metric system, such a metal corresponds to 999 samples. Thus, the difference between the two sample systems lies only in the fact that in the first case the entire alloy (gold + impurities) is conditionally considered as 24 parts, in the second - as 1000 parts.

In the past, high purity gold was called red. You can read about it here to register:.

24 carat (999) gold is a very soft material. Due to the increased deformability, it is practically not found in products that require wear resistance and strength, for example, in jewelry. In such cases, impurities are introduced into the pure metal (ligature). It can be platinum, silver, nickel, copper, palladium, zinc, cadmium and other elements.

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Ligature of gold - these are auxiliary metals, the addition of which makes it possible to obtain a gold alloy with the required properties - hardness, color, cost.

Value 18 carat says that the alloy consists of 18 parts (that is, 75%) pure gold and 6 parts of the ligature. 18k gold matches 750 samples.

Products are especially popular 14 carat, which corresponds 585 (583) samples. Such ligature gold provides an acceptable balance between its quality and cost.

There are also alloys 12 carats (500 proof) и 9 carats (375 proof) . However, even from a material containing 50% pure gold, it is quite difficult to find high-quality jewelry.

It should be noted that the term "carat" is used not only to refer to the content of pure gold in the alloy, but also to the weight of diamonds and other precious stones. These two concepts should be distinguished. In the first case, the term "karat" is used and the value is written as, for example, "18k" (18 carat) or "14k" (14 carat). In the second case - "carat" and the abbreviation "c" or "ct".

What colors is gold

The most traditional is yellow metal. At the same time, the yellow color of real 999 pure gold is the most saturated and bright. However, gold in nature is not necessarily that color. For example, nuggets containing a large amount of impurities can have a rather unexpected color. But golden sand and flecks of gold in other minerals often have a brilliant yellow tint, by which they are easy to recognize.

In addition to the usual color, gold jewelry of the most diverse and sometimes unexpected colors is becoming popular. The introduction of a certain ligature into the alloy is what determines the color of gold in jewelry.

Typically, yellow alloys include silver and copper. The shade of gold will depend on the percentage of the ligature.

Increasing the proportion of copper gives the color softness and warmth. If it prevails in the composition of the ligature, then the alloy acquires red shade. You can read about this gold here to register:.

The more copper, the richer the color. With intermediate ratios of copper and silver, one obtains pink gold. By varying the content of the ligature, such an alloy is given both delicate and bright shades. Learn more about rose gold features here.

The greater the proportion of silver in the yellow alloy, the lighter it becomes. With the predominance of this ligature, gold acquires a beautiful citric color - read about this type of gold in our other article.

Exquisitely and elegantly look products from white metal. Usually, in addition to the aurum itself, such gold consists of silver and additional elements - nickel, palladium, platinum. Moreover, each of these metals gives the alloy its own characteristic shade and reflection. In addition to them, other elements can also be added that will provide the product with the required properties (for example, zinc, cadmium).

There is a simple and inexpensive way to give a product made from a regular yellow alloy the color of white gold. It consists in coating the surface of the product with a thin layer of noble metal - rhodium. Hence the name - delivery. Also, this method is used to give a more luxurious look and shine to products made from inexpensive white gold alloys.

In addition to the already familiar yellow, red, white gold, there are more exotic options - green, blue, purple, brown.

Green pale olive gold is an alloy of gold and silver. In this case, the yellowness of the metal is eliminated at a silver content starting from 30%.

More saturated shades and dark tones of green can be obtained by adding cadmium and zinc to the alloy. However, these products are quite fragile. In addition, cadmium is a toxic metal and prolonged contact should be avoided. Because of this, jewelry made from such green alloys, although beautiful, is not suitable for everyday wear.

Detailed chemical composition blue gold often remains a secret of jewelers, because such products are original and exclusive. It is believed that the unusual color is due to the addition of cobalt or steel and chromium. Moreover, in the first case, the shade is more delicate, with blueness.

Also, an alloy of gold and indium acquires a blue color (the content is 46% and 54%, respectively), but it has a grayish tint. But when alloyed with gallium, a gentle blue gold.

Blue and blue gold do not differ in strength and wear resistance, so individual products are rarely made from them. Most often, these alloys are used as inserts in jewelry.

Bright violet Gold acquires its color when an admixture of aluminum or potassium is added. Lilac or amethyst shades are also obtained. This coloring is available only for products with 750 proof.

Gold looks elegant and noble brown, chocolate и brown colors. It is an alloy with copper, silver and palladium and is strong and hard. The color of gold is obtained as a result of additional chemical processing. It is usually used for watch elements. Brown gold jewelry is expensive, usually inlaid with precious stones.

Is there black gold

Eye-catching black gold is one of the fashion trends in jewelry production.

The composition of this fascinating alloy includes gold, cobalt and chromium. At the same time, obtaining a high-quality alloy is a rather complicated process, since its components are difficult to mix.

Another way to obtain black is to apply a thin layer of rhodium or ruthenium to the surface of the product. Thus, the decoration is painted evenly and acquires a rich intense shade. The surface can be made both matte and give it a glossy sheen.

Jewelry from black gold stylish and wear-resistant, but have a high cost.

Combined gold

Products that combine several types of gold have rightfully occupied their niche in the jewelry market. Experimenting with colors and shapes allows designers to create elegant and interesting pieces of jewelry.

Modern technologies allow you to smoothly combine gold of different colors in one product. It can also be inserts of metal of one color into another or separate elements combined in one product.

Most often combine yellow, white and red gold. The inlay of such products with precious stones is widespread. There are also more complex options. For example, a black gold insert, which will add sophistication to the decoration.

Combined gold has gained great popularity for the manufacture of wedding rings.

A huge number of possible shapes and color combinations allow us to develop a non-standard and original design of wedding rings.

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Types of gold by color and composition in jewelry and not only

Varieties of gold are actively used in many areas of human life. In addition to the usual jewelry and the financial system, this noble metal is used in industry, such as electronics and space technology, medicine, especially dentistry, cosmetology and cooking. However, some alloys, although they look like gold, are actually not.

What is monetary gold in simple terms

Roughly speaking, monetary gold is country's reserve for a "rainy day" . Physically, the metal is stored in vaults in the form of standard bars, plates and coins. The gold is refined and has the highest standard - from 995 to 1000. It must have quality certificates and manufacturer's markings.

Relatively until recently, the national currency in circulation had to be confirmed by the volume of this gold reserve. However, recently the precious metal has been slightly pushed back by the dollar. However, gold has remained the universal international currency. If there is a collapse of the dollar system, its relevance will remain. And in the event of financial crises in the country, it can be mortgaged or sold, and the funds received can be used to restore the economy.

banking gold

Banking gold is seen as object of long-term investment. These can be ingots of various weights or coins made of refined metal of the highest standard.

The accumulation of savings from precious metals is called hoarding.

During the period of economic and political instability, wars and fundamental reforms, the transfer of capital into gold reserves is carried out to protect against inflation, depreciation and loss of currency.

Attitudes towards investing in banking gold can be ambiguous. On the one hand, this precious metal is always in demand and valuable. On the other hand, the growth of its value is rather slow and it is not immune from unexpected and rapid collapses.

Double

Double gold became widespread after the 1860s. The development of technology has made it possible to put on stream the production of uniform and inexpensive jewelry.

Such gold was a rolled flat sheet, no more than paper thick. From this sheet, two parts of the decoration were cut out by stamping, which were then soldered to each other, and the cavity between them was filled with cheap non-ferrous metals. On antique products made from double, a joining seam between the two halves is noticeable. This gold is also called laid on or rolled.

Gold leaf

Susal represents very thin, about 100 nanometers, sheets, obtained by flattening special blanks of gold with a hammer. Often used for decoration, covering the outer surface of the product. For example, domes of churches are gilded with tinsel.

Separate sheets are assembled into books and are usually sold in this form. However, gold leaf is also found in the form of powder, flakes or rolled.

food gold

Under certain conditions gold can be edible. To do this, use pure tinsel, the suitability and quality of which are confirmed by the appropriate certificate. It consists of 96% gold, and the rest is silver.

Additive food gold has the designation E175.

Due to its properties - inertness and softness - gold does not cause allergic reactions, does not change the taste and smell of products, does not injure the digestive organs. There is even an opinion about its usefulness for the body - about improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs, general cleansing and rejuvenation. However, like all supplements, it should not be overused.

Edible gold is used to decorate dishes, such as desserts, sweets, and drinks, such as coffee, alcoholic cocktails.

colloidal gold

Colloidal gold is a suspension of very fine gold particles (size 5-50 nanometers) in water purified from any impurities (demineralized). Due to the properties of the metal, the particles are evenly distributed throughout the volume of the liquid without settling to the bottom of the container.

Colloidal gold is used in engineering, cooking, restoration activities. However, it has become especially fashionable in cosmetology and homeopathy. In particular, it is often used in anti-aging products and in violation of the functions of the skin - for regeneration and self-regulation. Colloidal gold is also recommended for depression, arthritis, to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increase overall tone and immunity.

There is also a skeptical opinion regarding the benefits for the body of funds containing gold.

This opinion is explained by the property of inertness of the noble metal, which under normal conditions does not allow gold to enter into any reactions with other substances. Therefore, it cannot influence the processes occurring in the human body.

Medical gold

This variety has a very classic "golden" appearance. However, in fact, it is a medical steel (another name is a surgical alloy), coated on the outside with a thin layer of gold. This material is highly durable and hypoallergenic. Due to these properties, its use is not limited to the medical field. High-quality jewelry is also made from the alloy, indistinguishable by a non-professional from precious jewelry.

blown gold

Massive, voluminous, but light jewelry made from blown gold. The basis of such products is a metal wire, on which a layer of gold is applied. Then it is melted, and the coating remains. Thus, a golden product is obtained, hollow inside.

Blown gold will suit lovers of large jewelry. Due to their low weight, they are comfortable to wear and have a low cost. Often jewelers embody original ideas, patterns and complex weaving in them.

The disadvantage of blown gold is its brittleness.

When wearing such products, heavy load should be avoided, which can lead to their deformation and damage. Therefore, they are not very suitable for constant wear.

Welsh Gold

Deposits of this rare, and therefore especially valuable, type of gold are located in Wales, in the northern and southern regions. Fame and status brought him members of the royal family of Great Britain.

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For the first time, Welsh gold was included in the regalia of royalty in 1911. They were used during the ceremony by Prince Edward. Since then, this noble metal has been used to make wedding rings. So, with such precious jewelry, Princess Eugenie and the Duchess of Sussex Megan were married in 2018, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate in 2011, Princess Diana of Wales in 1981, Elizabeth II in 1947, the future Queen Mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923 and other members of the royal family.

Active mining of gold from the Welsh deposits was carried out by the ancient Romans. However, with the decline of their empire, development ceased. The real "boom" of gold mining in the mines of Wales experienced in the 1850s-1900s and in the 1980s. Unfortunately, the gold mines exhausted themselves on this, and in 1999 the last one, Gvinfinydd, was closed.

The shortage of Welsh gold led to extremely high prices for it. However, for lovers of exclusivity, this is not the biggest problem, because it is practically non-existent on the jewelry market. The last time this noble metal in the amount of 10 bars was put up for sale at auction was in 2017. The rest of the reserves are intended for jewelry for members of the royal family.

Turkish gold

In fact, Turkish gold, despite the name, is not Turkish at all.

Turkey does not have its own gold deposits. The metal is imported, mainly from Germany and the USA.

Turkish masters have long been famous for their incredible beautiful products, interesting and unusual decorations. And their low cost attracts buyers from all over the world.

However, the low price may be due not only to great competition between local jewelers, but also to the low quality of the gold alloy used. Therefore, you should choose the product with great care and not trust the smiling sellers much. The use of cheap impurities, such as nickel, can cause severe allergic reactions.

Not all Turkish jewelry has a gold sample. If possible, of course, it is better to purchase products from tested metal, especially if its quality is confirmed by a certificate. However, it should be borne in mind that local craftsmen have long learned to put any hallmarks. Therefore, if the appearance of gold is in doubt, it is better to make a purchase elsewhere.

High-quality gold jewelry cannot be very cheap. Low cost indicates a low gold content or skillful imitation.

The lack of state control over the quality of the gold alloy makes it possible to pass off as precious items with a very low content of precious metal and a large amount of ligature. Often, it is simply impossible to distinguish a gold jewelry from a skillful fake by eye. It is worth paying attention to the color of the product, the quality of workmanship, the seller’s reaction to a request to provide documents, look at a sample, or an attempt to scratch the surface with a fingernail.

Dubai Gold

Rђ RІRѕS, dubai gold - this is not gold at all, although it contains a small amount of this noble mineral. It represents base metal alloy, which is similar in color and brilliance to the purest 999 gold. Many buyers are attracted by the appearance of the product, which is also durable. And given that such jewelry is considered jewelry, then their cost will be significantly lower than gold.

gypsy gold

Gypsy gold is also not gold. You can also find other names for it - randol or samovar gold. This bright and shiny yellow alloy includes brass or copper and beryllium. Due to the high cost, the latter is often replaced with nickel, chromium, steel. It may also contain a small amount of gold.

Randoli jewelry is inexpensive jewelry, so they are not tested. You need to pay attention to this so as not to purchase a fake instead of precious metal. Nevertheless, they attract with their brightness, massiveness and pretentiousness.

In addition to the price and catchy appearance, the advantage of such products is their durability. Randol is also used to decorate interior items, gift products. The alloy has also found application in industry.

Gold plated

This coating is used for giving the product a noble "golden" look and improving the properties of the alloysuch as hypoallergenicity and corrosion protection. Electroplating with gold is based on the deposition of particles of a noble metal on a product under the influence of an electric current. This method is actively used in the manufacture of jewelry from cheap alloys, silver gilding is also common. In addition to jewelry, it can also be found on household items, souvenirs, awards and many other items.

The disadvantage of jewelry with such a coating is its fragility with constant wear.

Over time, the layer of gold wears off on contact with the skin and will need to be restored to maintain the attractive appearance of the piece.

Alloy of gold and silver

The natural alloy of gold and silver has been known since ancient times. So, in ancient Egypt, it was used in architecture, and in Lydia (a country of Asia Minor), coins were minted from it. The alloy was named electrum.

The content of elements in electrum can vary widely - from 15 to 50% (sometimes up to 80% is considered) silver, the rest is gold, possibly a small amount of impurities - iron, copper, bismuth and other metals.

The color of the alloy depends on the ratio of the constituent elements: from sunny yellow to cold silver. With an intermediate silver content (about 30%), it acquires an olive tint. At the same time, an artificially created alloy with this color is already called green gold.

Gold has historically become so deeply embedded in human life that it rightfully deserves to be called the king among metals. Of course, most often we encounter it in the form of jewelry.

The choice in the modern market of gold jewelry is huge. Both sophisticated connoisseurs and opponents of the classic yellow metal can find many interesting options. Particular attention should be paid to diamond-cut products. This technology gives the jewelry a bright shine that attracts the eye and emphasizes the nobility of gold.

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