What metals give gold its white color?

Types of gold, color and types

Most people, without hesitation, will answer that the main color of gold is yellow; white is used a little less often. Someone may remember the red tint. However, experts know that there is also pink, blue, green, purple, blue and black gold. How are these types different? What properties do they have? You can read about how products are branded in the article Gold Assays.

Types of gold

Precious metal can be considered and divided into the following types:

1. Pure gold - 999 purity. It is not found in nature; it is melted down and stored in ingots.
2. Alloys of gold with the addition of silver, copper - these metals give yellow, red, white and green tints.
3. Alloys with other metals, giving a blue, violet tint. Additives include aluminum, cobalt, potassium, etc.
4. Black gold. This is not oil, but a real black color, which is obtained using various production technologies.

Gold colors

Traditional colors are yellow, white and red. 

Yellow, red and white gold

The most common color of gold is yellow. And in nature, metal has exactly this color. However, it is impossible to smelt products from it, since it is quite soft and easily subject to deformation. Therefore, gold is mixed with silver and copper. If there is more copper in the composition, then the products acquire a reddish tint. If there is more silver, the alloy acquires a yellowish tint. Copper gives the product strength, and silver gives it a special shine and nobility.

The proportions of all elements depend on the sample of the material. So, for example, 14 carat gold consists of 14 parts pure metal and 10 parts alloy. On sale you can most often see 22K and 24K samples, which contain 92% gold. The 18K alloy contains 75% gold, 14K - 58%, 10K - 41% and 9K only 38% of the precious metal. Accordingly, the quality of low-grade alloys is worse. The cost of the metal and its value also decreases.

The color white gold has also long been common in jewelry production. This metal is obtained by including platinum, nickel or palladium in the alloy. Types of white gold differ in their properties. The alloy with platinum has the best characteristics. These types are distinguished by their strength, and the products are durable and hard, retaining their shape for a long time. There is an article on the website about white gold samples.

An alloy of gold and nickel has the opposite effect. The products have a lower price and will last a shorter period of time. In addition, nickel can cause allergies or dermatitis.

The color of white gold may vary slightly due to the presence of various impurities: nickel gives the alloy a slightly yellowish tint.
Palladium gives the material softness, which is why it is used as a frame in jewelry.

Most often in production, types of gold are used with the inclusion of palladium and silver, or with nickel and copper zinc.

Red gold is obtained by adding copper to an alloy. It gives the product increased strength. The more copper in the alloy, the richer the color of red gold. This is also how you get the pink color. If you mix 75% gold and 25% copper, you get a pink tint. If the amount of copper is increased to 50%, the color becomes red.

colored gold

What other color is gold? The metal can be green, pink, blue, blue, black, purple. Such types are achieved by mixing with other substances. Moreover, the proportions in the alloy may vary.

Green gold

This shade is obtained by adding silver. However, the finished alloy takes on a yellowish-green tint. To obtain such an alloy, you need to mix 75% gold and 25% silver. A ratio of 73-27 is also allowed.

Green color can also be obtained by adding cadmium. So, when mixing 75% gold, 23% copper and 2% cadmium, a pale green tone is obtained. And the material of 75% gold, 15% silver, 6% copper and 4% cadmium produces a dark green color. However, it is worth remembering that cadmium is a toxic substance. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it.

Blue gold

The blue color is obtained by adding cobalt, indium or rhodium to the alloy. They are mixed in a ratio of 54-46 (cobalt, rhodium or indium and gold).

To obtain a purple tone, a combination with aluminum or potassium is used. This alloy is distinguished by its fragility, therefore it is most often used in conjunction with yellow gold.

It is worth considering that any types of gold, as a rule, have only a tint, and not a bright, rich color.

As a rule, manufacturers obtain colored types of gold using different recipes, which are kept secret.

Therefore, you can often find a variety of shades on store shelves that are offered by different companies.

In addition, some manufacturers accuse craftsmen of deception. According to them, it is impossible to obtain the bright color of gold, so other companies carry out surface coloring of the metal. And under a thin layer of paint there is the usual yellow or white gold.

Black gold

The most recent development is the black color of the precious metal. To obtain it, various production technologies are used.

There are four methods. The first method is electroplating, which uses black rhodium or ruthenium. Black gold from ruthenium weighs more than that from rhodium. You can patina metal using sulfur and oxygen compounds.

Another method, characterized by the complexity of the process, is the production of a plasma compound. Formed by vapor deposition, a process carried out using amorphous carbon. And the fourth, most used method is gold oxidation. In this case, black gold is obtained from an alloy with the addition of chromium or cobalt, which is then subjected to an oxidation process under the influence of high temperatures.

You can also get different shades. Thus, additional processing of potassium sulfides makes it possible to obtain an attractive chocolate color. An alloy of gold, chromium and cobalt (proportions 75:15:10, respectively) produces an olive color.

Pure gold

Types of precious metal are divided into jewelry and pure (bullion). The first option is mixed with other metals, which gives the product the necessary strength and gives a certain shade. The second types of gold are used to make bars. Such ingots have a purity of 999, which indicates that the metal contains no more than 1% impurities.

It is jewelry that can have different colors. But pure metal has only the yellow color of gold. Which is understandable, since it does not contain impurities.

Source: http://lombardyinfo.ru/stati/vidy-zolota.html

Types of gold and their properties

What color is gold? Most will answer: yellow, some will also remember white and red. Perhaps only specialists and those who are interested in the types and properties of this precious metal will be able to name black, pink, green, blue, indigo, brown and even purple gold. How do they differ and what properties do they have?

The usual yellow color is that of pure gold, without any additives. However, there is no point in making jewelry from it; it is soft and easily deformed (you can read about the sample here).

To give products strength and increase their service life, alloys are added to the metal - additional metals that improve the properties of the jewelry alloy and change the color of pure gold.

Yellow gold

The most common additives are silver and copper. You've probably noticed that yellow can have a reddish tint (when there is more copper than silver) or a lemon tint (when the amount of silver exceeds the amount of copper). Copper is much stronger than silver, so products with a reddish tint are stronger and do not lose their shape for a long time.

White gold

Platinum, palladium or nickel can give the white color. The alloy with platinum is considered the most valuable; products made from it are strong and surprisingly durable. But nickel, on the contrary, significantly reduces the price; jewelry made from this alloy is valued the least.

In addition, the nickel content in products can provoke an allergic reaction on the skin, and even dermatitis. Is it possible to independently determine what metal is added to gold? In principle, it is possible: firstly, nickel gives a slight yellowness, and secondly, platinum and nickel gold have a huge difference in price.

But if you have any doubts, it's best to take it to a jeweler to check.

Red and rose gold

Copper gives the red color to gold items. The more copper, the redder the hue. But due to the fact that the alloy with copper does not shine, silver is added to it, which gives shine and a noble appearance to jewelry. Copper in small quantities also gives a pink tint. By the way, this color is becoming perhaps the most popular today!

Unusual colors

The noble olive color is given by potassium, dark green by rubidium, blue by indium, blue by iron and chromium, and violet by potassium or aluminum. All these types are not durable and cannot be used as a basis for jewelry. They are used as decorative elements, replacing precious stones with colored gold.

By subjecting the alloy of gold and copper to special processing, a beautiful chocolate shade is obtained, which is gaining more and more popularity at fashion shows. And black gold is obtained by oxidizing an alloy with chromium and cobalt, or by covering the finished product with black rhodium.

I wonder what new shades of gold will jewelers invent, and what color of this noble metal will be most relevant next season? We will know the answers to these questions very, very soon.

Source: https://jeland.ru/zoloto/vidy-zolota-i-ih-svoystva.htm

What determines the color of different gold alloys?

Gold is the favorite metal of many people, as incredibly beautiful jewelry is made from it: chains, rings, bracelets, earrings, watches, cufflinks and much more. Most people associate this metal with the sun because it has a similar color.

But if you look at several pieces of jewelry, you can see that the color of the gold from which they are made can be different - with a pinkish, white, red and even green tint. This leads to the idea that there are different types of gold, when in fact this is not the case.

What determines the color of gold?

The color of gold products depending on the added ligature

Composition of gold alloys

In nature, gold as a metal has a rich yellow color. As for the jewelry industry, gold in its pure form has never been used to make jewelry, since it is ductile, which makes it unstable to deformation.

However, this problem can be solved by adding other metals to the gold alloy, which give it the necessary resistance to negative factors.

Impurities of other metals are called alloys, which determine what color gold is.

To estimate the pure gold content of an alloy, a measure such as fineness is used. It shows the number of grams of precious metal contained in a kilogram of alloy. For example, 585 hallmark (the most common in the jewelry market) means that a kilogram of the alloy contains at least 585 grams of gold, while 415 grams are impurities, that is, alloy.

In jewelry practice, solar metal is combined with the following impurities:

• copper;
• silver;
• palladium;
• platinum;
• zinc;
• cadmium.

The presence of a ligature in a gold alloy determines its shade, which is what jewelers use. Playing with shades of metal allows you to create masterpiece jewelry that is in high demand among buyers.

Shades of gold

Types of metal

The shades of gold are impressive in their diversity and they depend on which metal predominates in the composition of the alloy:

1. Red gold: This is an alloy that has a purity of 375, that is, the lowest in the metric gold standard system. The red tint is achieved by adding a large amount of copper to the alloy (approximately 600 grams per 1 kilogram). A small part of the alloy (25 grams) is silver. A gold alloy with a purity of 375 was popular in the USSR, but over time this metal was replaced by a high-fineness analogue with a purity of 585. This alloy is considered the most popular among buyers.
2. Orange: this is the same gold with a purity of 375, but with a different composition of the alloy. To obtain metal with this tint, a smaller amount of copper and a larger amount of silver are added to the alloy.
3. White: has a purity of 585 or 750. It is gold combined with platinum, nickel, silver or palladium. It is this composition of the alloy that makes the metal look like silver. White gold has been considered trendy for years in a row, as it not only adds elegance to products, but also emphasizes the splendor of precious stones.
4. Pink: Produced by a special combination of silver and copper, which lightens the red color of the copper to a soft pink. Rose gold adds delicacy and sophistication to jewelry made from it. Also, such gold emphasizes the beauty of precious stones. Rings and pendants are made from this alloy.
5. Yellow gold: this is a metal with a purity of 750 - high-grade gold from which luxury jewelry is made. The alloy has a rich yellow tint due to the large amount of gold in the alloy (at least 750 grams per kilogram). The ligature in this alloy is represented by copper and silver, taken in equal proportions. Jewelry made from yellow aurum looks expensive, but they require careful handling - the predominance of pure gold in the alloy makes them fragile and prone to deformation.
6. Brown: this gold has a high standard (585 or 750). The unusual shade of the metal is explained by the large amount of copper in the alloy. The impurities also include nickel and manganese. The metal undergoes a thorough chemical treatment to obtain a brown color due to the formation of a brown film. The advantage of brown gold is not only its exquisite appearance, but also its incredible strength.
7. Green: the alloy is obtained by adding an alloy containing silver, zinc, cadmium and rubidium to gold, which gives the metal a greenish tint. This alloy is called electrum. Despite its attractive appearance, green gold is not suitable for making solid jewelry, such as rings, as it is very fragile. In the jewelry industry, metal with a green tint is used as a raw material for the manufacture of decorative inserts in jewelry.
8. Blue: This metal looks very unusual. It is obtained by adding chromium and iron to the alloy. The disadvantage of this gold is its fragility and tendency to oxidize when exposed to air. For this reason, such gold is used only in the production of inserts in jewelry, and such inserts should in no case come into contact with the skin when worn constantly - the gold will quickly oxidize.
9. Purple: This color of gold is obtained by combining it with potassium or aluminum. Nowadays, this metal is only gaining its popularity among admirers of gold jewelry.
10. Grey: Much like white gold alloy. Gray gold contains nickel, zinc and silver.
11. Black: This metal has indescribable beauty and a corresponding price, since obtaining the perfect black color of gold is a difficult task. This alloy is also produced by coating high-grade gold with rhodium or ruthenium. High-grade black gold is obtained due to its oxidation under high temperature (annealing).

When purchasing gold items, you should be careful, especially if it concerns jewelry made from metal of an unusual shade (it is “colored” gold that is counterfeited in most cases).

It is recommended to buy gold in a jewelry store that has been present on the jewelry market for a long time, or directly from the manufacturer. You should also pay attention to the hallmark, name tag and label. A genuine gold product has a perfect appearance.

To protect yourself from buying a fake, you should refrain from purchasing jewelry from private individuals who do not have any documentation for their goods.

We recommend other articles

Source: https://DedPodaril.com/zoloto/imform/cvet-zolota.html

What color is gold? Characteristics of each color, features

Most gold jewelry has a bright yellow tint. This color is traditional for the noble metal. Sometimes, the product may have a reddish tint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIipYThCQ-k

This depends on the composition of the additional components included in the alloys. But modern technologies have reached such a scale that in jewelry stores you can find gold products in white, green, blue and other shades.

What determines the color of gold?

Gold, even in its purest form, contains 1% impurities.

In jewelry, precious metal accounts for 60%. The remaining portion is occupied by the ligature.

The color of the final gold is determined by the quantity and specific gravity of the elements that combine with it to form an alloy that is used to make the product.

To impart increased strength, other metals are added to gold experimentally and using chemical reagents, which not only change its physical characteristics, but also give it a different color shade.

The main components included in the alloy are copper, zinc, palladium, silver and others. The final result depends on the experience and professionalism of the craftsmen.

What color is gold?

As already noted, the color of gold directly depends on the components that form the alloy.

In this regard, the following shades of noble metal are distinguished:

• White. Jewelry made from it represents a classic of the genre in the jewelry industry. This color is obtained thanks to the palladium, silver, and platinum included in the alloy. In terms of its physical characteristics, white gold is very similar to platinum, but is significantly lower in cost. In addition, connections with platinum make the metal more durable, which allows craftsmen to have unlimited imagination when working with it.
• Black. Jewelry made from it relatively recently entered the world of jewelers. They cause delight and surprise among jewelry lovers. A specific method for obtaining a black tint has not yet been disclosed. Those jewelers who managed to achieve such a result prefer to keep the secret a secret. The exclusive appearance of black gold jewelry significantly increases its value compared to other products. Even men cannot resist products of this shade. Mainly these are bracelets and watches.
• Gold of red and red shades. The number of other compounds in alloys of these colors is minimal, which is why it is more popular than others. Copper and pure gold are combined in such shades in proportions according to GOST standards.
• Yellow gold is an unfading classic that will never go out of style. Most often found on shelves is yellow gold, which has a minimal copper content. Products made from it are complemented by other shades of metal or precious stones.
• Pink. Popular with those who prefer to buy and wear fine jewelry. The delicate shade of pink emphasizes the femininity of the owner of the jewelry and her elegance. Adding different gemstones to the final product will give it a premium look.
• Green. Products made from it are extremely rare. They are more in demand among people who are used to standing out from the mainstream. Green gold jewelry is available to those who have a high financial position, since their cost is almost twice as high as that of yellow metal jewelry. Interesting! Nickel and potassium give this shade to the alloy. In some cases, the green color is achieved through combinations of gold and pure silver. Craftsmen make original and exquisite jewelry from green gold.
• Blue and blue gold. The basis of these compounds are intermetallic structures. Due to the complex technology for producing blue or cyan alloy, this shade is most often found only in the form of separate inserts of the main decoration. Interesting! Chromium, indium and cobalt are the three main components that make up blue gold. Each of them, when combined with pure gold, gives the metal a slightly blue tint. Products of this color are made to order.
• Lemon. European jewelers work with it to a greater extent. The low cost of this metal does not detract from its excellent physical characteristics. This factor is the reason why the demand for lemon gold is increasing. In addition to pure gold, an alloy of this shade includes silver, copper and other components.
• Gray gold is a newfangled trend, the emergence of which is due to the development of the jewelry industry. To achieve the desired shade, jewelers make combinations of pure gold with nickel and manganese. The huge demand for such products does not decrease despite the high cost.
• Amethyst or violet gold is obtained from combining pure metal with aluminum. Depending on the content of impurities, the original final shade is achieved. The greater the percentage of aluminum included in the alloy, the more intense the purple color the metal will acquire. However, such connections are not always strong, so only experienced craftsmen can work with them. Interesting! Gold of this color also entered the world of jewelers relatively recently, but is already included in the collections of many world designers.
• Brown gold is the latest innovation in the jewelry industry. Its fineness is usually 585 or 750. The chocolate shade of the metal is given by copper, which is added to the alloy in a large percentage. Special chemical processing makes brown gold the color it reaches the buyer and gives it increased strength. Important! Jewelers successfully combine metal of this shade with wood or leather. Products made from it are not always flashy, but no less beautiful for that.

Source: http://VseoZolote.ru/interesno/tsvet-zolota.html

Distinctive features of white and yellow gold - Glitter Gem

Yellow and white gold were able to gain good popularity among buyers. Many people notice only their visual difference – color. But what features do they have, how are they different, and which gold is more expensive: white or yellow gold?

Characteristics of white gold

White gold is a yellow alloy that contains several different metals. The main difference lies in its components. It has a cool tint due to the fact that it contains zinc, copper, silver and nickel.

Whereas in the manufacture of jewelry from yellow metal, slightly more zinc, nickel and copper are used.

Despite so many additives, the purity of the gold remains the same. For example, if it is indicated that the jewelry is 18 carats, it means: 18 parts are pure metal, the remaining 6 parts are other components.

White gold or yellow gold, which is more expensive? Sometimes white may contain platinum, which will affect the cost of the product. All additives presented provide special strength and attractiveness.

It is worth noting that platinum is used quite rarely, this is due to its high value. Basically, only the most prestigious jewelry houses can afford such metal.

Another method that gives gold a white tint and increases its value is treating the surface of the product with rhodium.

Rhodium is a white metal that is actively used as a coating in various jewelry. It gives the product strength and rigidity.

Gold itself is soft and can be bent with enough force. And rhodium, due to its properties, provides protection to the product; because of this coating, the price will be high.

You may be interested in: How to properly clean gold plate?

Disadvantages of white gold

Despite the characteristics of the white metal, including its hefty price, it still looks cheaper than yellow gold.

If the product has acquired a white color due to rhodium plating, then after a little time it will lose its shine.

The fact is that in the process of daily wear, the jewelry is scratched, as a result of which the coating wears off, and behind it the yellow gold will already show through.

If you notice that the product has lost its novelty, then you can contact a jewelry workshop. Specialists will reapply rhodium to the surface and the jewelry will regain its beauty.

In other words, sometimes money will be required to complete such a procedure.

Characteristics of yellow gold

The purest gold metal is 999 fine, but it is not suitable for making jewelry. This is due to its plasticity and softness. To make gold suitable for jewelry, various metals are added to it, which give it strength and reliability. Yellow gold jewelry contains silver, copper and nickel.

The presented alloy is distinguished by its nobility and luxury; it is loved by many women. After all, it has a pleasant and rich sunny color. To increase wear resistance and improve the appearance of a ring, for example, jewelers use rhodium plating on yellow gold.

Yellow metal has some disadvantages. It is quite soft, which can usually be determined by the number of carats. That is, the higher the designation, the softer it will be. Because of this property, the metal can be easily scratched or damaged.

This can be corrected; you should contact a jewelry workshop, where specialists will polish the surface. But to do this, you will have to remove the top layer of the product, as a result of which it will become a little thinner than it was at the time of purchase.

The lower the number of carats in the jewelry, the stronger it is, but this will indicate a small presence of pure gold and an increased content of foreign metals.

It is worth noting that if your body has an allergic reaction to nickel, it is recommended not to purchase products that contain less than 14 carats.

Which is better: white or yellow?

Which gold is better, white or yellow? The presented metals have their pros and cons. We examined the main disadvantages - periodic jewelry repairs of products made from both metals.

To decide which gold is better, white or yellow, you should pay attention to the stones. For example, if a diamond has a small color scale - K or L, then give preference to products made of yellow gold. This will help disguise the yellowish tint of the stone.

If the diamond has no color at all, then you can choose white gold. And if you do not trust the presented metals, then we recommend purchasing platinum jewelry.

Platinum is overpriced, but it is difficult to scratch, and when polished it can not be rhodium-plated.

How to buy quality jewelry?

When purchasing jewelry you should consider some recommendations:

1. Pay attention to the sample, which is indicated on the jewelry itself and on the tag. Compare the values.
2. Each product must have the manufacturer's trademark. This speaks of authenticity, and therefore quality.
3. Examine the tag carefully. It must contain information about the manufacturer, sample, weight, composition and cost of the product.
4. Pay attention to external characteristics. All fastenings and soldering areas must be strong and of high quality. The duration of use of the jewelry depends on this.

It is interesting that in European countries yellow and rose gold were not considered high-grade metals.

Most experts are confident that such metals cannot be combined with the bulk of precious stones. Although many designers are still actively introducing yellow gold into the fashion industry.

Conclusion

What is more expensive, white or yellow gold? The answer is white. After all, it contains palladium or platinum. Jewelry of this kind speaks of the undoubted prestige of its owner; by its appearance, it equates the owner to the highest social class.

And if platinum and silver were added to white gold, then it will be the best, and therefore more expensive, in comparison with the yellow metal. No matter which gold is more expensive or which piece of jewelry you choose, both metals are considered equally fashionable. Moreover, today many buyers pay attention to the good design of the product.

You may be interested in: Yellow gold: advantages, characteristics

Source: https://kabirski-store.ru/sostav/otlichitelnye-osobennosti-belogo-i-zheltogo-zolota.html

Gold alloys and their shades

Silver makes the alloy more ductile and malleable.
It also changes the shade of the alloy, making it whiter. If you add more than 30% silver, the shade of the yellow alloy will become noticeably lighter, and when the amount of silver increases to 65%, the gold will turn white. When copper , the alloy becomes harder, but its anti-corrosion properties are reduced. Copper also gives the alloy a reddish tint.

Cadmium makes the alloy more easily melted.
It also gives the alloy a greenish tint. Zinc gives the alloy properties similar to cadmium.
It brightens the alloy, which is why it is used to make white gold. A small amount of zinc can also make the alloy slightly greener. Palladium makes the alloy more refractory, forcing the heating temperature to increase.

Thanks to this, the alloy becomes noticeably more ductile and lighter - palladium colors it white with a slight beige (flesh) tint.
Nickel gives the gold alloy its hardness and changes the color of the alloy to pale yellow.
Used as a component of white gold. Platinum bleaches gold more intensely than other alloys and increases its elasticity. Yellowness is lost when the alloy contains about 8% platinum.

Nickel, platinum and palladium also give white gold alloys high anti-corrosion properties.

Gold alloys of different colors

We are all accustomed to the fact that gold can be “red”, “yellow” or “white”. However, in reality there are more shades. The table below shows possible combinations of metals when preparing gold alloys of different grades and shades. The Au column (percentage of gold content) precisely indicates the fineness of the product (58.5% is 585 fineness, and so on).

White gold - the white hue of the gold alloy is added by platinum, silver, palladium and nickel. White gold based on palladium is obtained if the proportion of this metal exceeds 16%. Palladium gives the alloy additional strength and a pale shade of natural nobility, as well as the best characteristics. True, such an alloy will be noticeably more expensive due to the high cost of palladium.

A more “budget” version of white gold includes nickel, copper and some zinc.

Red gold - copper gives the red hue to the gold alloy. The usual composition of the ligature of such an alloy is silver and copper.

Blue gold - obtained by alloying gold with iron (a rare case of a two-component alloy).

Green gold - a green tint is obtained by melting gold with silver with the addition of cadmium.

Purple gold - the shade of gold can even become purple - for this you need to add aluminum, cobalt and palladium to the alloy.

In addition, it is possible to obtain a light olive tint of a gold alloy (adding tellurium), a shiny black tint (adding silver or nickel and cobalt), as well as several others.

How are gold alloys marked?

According to the accepted standard, the marking of gold alloys is as follows:

ZlSrM 583-80 (that is, the alloy includes 58.3% gold, 8% silver, 33.7% copper) and the like.

impurities (inclusions of base metals) in gold alloys should not exceed the permissible limit of 0.17%.

Colors of gold alloys depending on composition

Alloy color% Au (gold)% Ag (silver)% Cu (copper)% Ni (nickel)% Zn (zinc)% Pd (palladium)% Fe (iron)

Light yellow	58,5	32,0	9,5	—	—	—	—
Yellow	58,575,0	28,012,2	13,512,8	—	—	—	—
Dark yellow	58,5	23,0	18,5	—	—	—	—
Pink	58,5	14,0	27,5	—	—	—	—
Red	58,575,0	7,06,0	34,519,0	—	—	—	—
Green	58,575,0	39,025,0	2,5-	—	—	—	—
White	58,558,575,0	-18,5-	18,5-5,5	15,5-15,5	7,58,04,0	-15,0-	—
Blue	75,0	—	—	—	—	—	25,0

Source: http://southklad.ru/stati/dragotsennye-metally/splavy-iz-zolota.html

White gold: what is this precious metal, what is the popularity of 585 carat of this metal?

Gold, in our understanding, is always associated with the color of the sun. It was for this color that it was considered equal to the daylight. The unique shine and inertness to many chemical reagents also served their purpose.

All the more incredible is the mention of white, pink, green, purple and even black gold. People who are far from the jewelry business believe that all of the above are alternative precious metals. For example, white is platinum, and black is osmium. In fact, these are nothing more than misconceptions.

585 white gold contains the same number of carats of aurum as yellow gold of the same standard.

Historical reference

The opinion that white gold is a different metal did not arise out of nowhere. In the beginning, when platinum was not so well known and popular, it was actually called white gold. And they even replaced it with the real thing in jewelry and coins.

Platinum came to the Old World from America. The ancient civilizations of the Incas and Mayans have been processing the precious metal since time immemorial. Its refractoriness, inertness and high density were valued at the level of gold. However, these properties were not immediately noted. The metal was even disparagingly called “silver” (in Spanish, plata - silver) due to its color similarity to argentum.

The first deliveries of platinum were simply drowned in rivers and the ocean. The Spanish monarch issued a decree prohibiting its import into the territory of his country. Only 40 years later the new chemical substance was rehabilitated.

The king's descendants began to counterfeit gold coins with his help. Platinum had a higher specific gravity than silver, and therefore the fact of falsification was not immediately discovered. The color of the new connection was revealed to the greedy rulers.

The second case in history when platinum was mistakenly called white gold happened during the development of the Ural mines. The new "Siberian metal", discovered in veins and impurities of gold ore, differed from previously known chemical elements. Having highly appreciated its properties, Russia began its production on an industrial scale. Within a couple of years, a method was invented to make platinum forgeable.

Popularity of white gold

The very first composition of white gold included platinum as a ligature. Such a connection was refractory, difficult to forge, and was not immediately noticed by jewelers.

And even after the invention of new processing methods, products made from it came out massive and rough.

The lack of filigree and high specific gravity were also the reasons for the lack of demand for jewelry made from this metal among buyers.

The situation began to change with the advent of elegant sets inlaid with stones. Many ordinary people have noticed that it is white gold that favorably sets off cold-glow minerals. Sapphires, rubies, and diamonds acquired additional aristocratic charm when framed in a new jewelry alloy.

Even stones of medium hardness began to be perceived differently in rings and necklaces made of white metal. The minerals, transparent as a tear, showed their inimitable and unique charm in jewelry. This feature caused a lot of admiration and attracted many buyers.

Sales growth was also stimulated by the increased price of platinum.

The peak of demand occurred in the 20–30s of the 20th century. The ladies flaunted their new jewelry with all their might. Showing up at a social event in sunny gold was considered bad manners. The cold stiffness, severity and versatility of white conquered continents and countries.

Ligatures for white gold

As the cost of the new compound increased, the circle of people who could afford to buy such jewelry narrowed. This fact did not please the jewelers at all.

In addition, platinum production in Russia, the largest exporter of this metal at the time, declined due to political turmoil. A kind of collapse was brewing.

Consumers wanted elegant products in their private collections, and workshops could not satisfy their demand.

The easiest way to satisfy the need of its customers for original jewelry turned out to be to replace the ligature. Instead of platinum, jewelers began to select another metal that brightens the aurum. Attempts to dilute the alloy with silver were unsuccessful.

For the compound to turn white, the percentage of argentum had to be greater than half. Otherwise, the products had a yellow-green or olive color.

The value of such an alloy was small, since with constant wearing, rings and earrings quickly lost their attractiveness due to the appearance of a black patina.

The next metal destined to replace platinum was nickel. Au-Ni, Au-Ag-Ni, Au-Cu-Ni alloys turned out to be strong and hard. They were suitable for making not only decorative accessories, but could also serve purely practical purposes.

Brooches, cufflinks, elegant pins, and filigree rings began to be made from the new compounds. Many fashionistas of that time adorned their fingers with exquisite white gold rings.

But unfortunately, despite all the positive properties of the nickel ligature, its negative impact on humans was discovered.

Zinc and manganese are secondary brighteners, so they are used in small proportions to the main Au-Cu or Au-Ag alloys. Considering the toxicity of these metals, jewelry made from them is not recommended to be worn constantly.

Use of platinum metals

Having tried cheap analogues as alloys for white gold, chemists turned their attention to other representatives of the platinum group. Palladium became the ideal replacement.

Its inertness, plasticity and high bleaching properties were positively noted by jewelers. So, to give a unique white color to the alloy, it is enough to add only 1% palladium to pure gold.

In addition to the alloy of two metals Au-Pd, there are jewelry made from Au-Ag-Pd and Au-Pt-Pd compounds.

Ruthenium and rhodium also did not stand aside. Although they are not used as a ligature, they take part in the creation of white gold. Jewelry acquires a beautiful silver color by spraying.

A thin layer of platinum metal is applied to the finished product using the galvanic method. During use, the jewelry wears out and after a while the base metal begins to show through the coating.

In this case, it is recommended to renew the surface layer in a jewelry workshop.

The bright shine of rhodium-plated jewelry immediately attracts the attention of buyers. Sometimes unscrupulous jewelers take advantage of this by electroplating low-grade gold or silver items. To avoid such situations, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the accompanying documents and tag:

• For gold items, the seal is made in the form of a spatula, and for silver items, it is in the shape of a barrel;
• Silver jewelry has a standard of at least 925, gold jewelry is marked with 585, 750 or 800 standard.

Officially recognized chemical compositions of white gold

The interstate standard, described in GOST 6835–2002, clearly defines the proportions of officially accepted compounds of gold with other metals. There are only 37 of them. The table below shows only white gold compositions:

Sample Gold, % Platinum, % Palladium, % Nickel, % Impurities, no more than %

950	94,5–95,5	—	—	Ost	0,11
930	92,6–93,4	6,6–7,4	—	—	0,11
900	89,6–90,4	9,6–10,4	—	—	0,11
840	83,5–84,5	—	15,5–16,5	—	0,13
800	79,5–80,5	—	19,5–20,5	—	0,13
600	59,5–60,5	—	39,5–40,5	—	0,13
600	59,4–60,6	9,5–10,5	29,5–30,5	—	0,18

This classification is followed by 10 countries of the post-Soviet space:

• Armenia
• Belarus
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan
• Ukraine

Chemical compositions of white gold not included in the standard

Our fellow citizens purchase some of their jewelry abroad. In other countries, they adhere to different proportions when creating jewelry. As a result, the noble metal does not lose its properties. But owners may have difficulty selling such jewelry or obtaining a loan for them at a pawnshop. Below are the most common chemical compositions of white gold.

Sample Gold, % Silver, % Palladium, % Copper, % Nickel, % Zinc, %

583	58,3	23,7	18,0	—	—	—
583	58,3	—	—	23,5	12,2	6,0
750	75	5	—	—	20	—
585	58,5	25,5	—	—	16,5	—
750	75	5	20	—	—	—

Determination of metal sample

The owner of gold items made of yellow metal is accustomed to trusting his eyesight and often determines the sample “by eye”. White gold jewelry does not allow this to be done upon external inspection. In jewelry workshops and pawn shops, for such cases they use a special reagent - “chlorine gold”. A small drop on a fresh cut will tell an experienced appraiser the chemical composition of the alloy.

Initial color of the product Color of the gold chloride stain Tested metal

White	Dark green	High sterling silver
White	Yellow, gas is released, gradually turns black	Aluminum
White	Black	Tin
Grayish white	No changes	Platinum
Grey	Dirty yellow	Lead
White	Beige, gold or orange	White gold 583, 585, 750
White	Brown	Gold below 500 standard
White	Dark brown or black	Fake

Source: https://makdrag.ru/kamni-po-zodiaku/beloe-zoloto-chto-predstavlyaet-soboj-etot-dragmetall-v-chem-populyarnost-585-proby-takogo-metalla.html

585 standard: why do they add silver, copper, antimony, lead and other chemical elements to gold?

Throughout history, gold has been valued for its natural beauty and shine. In many cultures, this precious metal was considered a pocket sun. Nobles and rich merchants made jewelry and products from it. Gold still does not go out of fashion and is still highly valued. But why is it marked with the 585 standard and how is it made? You can read more about this further.

Interesting facts about gold

Yellow metal is used not only to create jewelry. Gold is also used for the manufacture of mobile phones and other equipment, since it has phenomenal malleability and ductility. Artists could gild their paintings and icons: the metal could be used to produce a sheet less than half a millimeter thick.

This element is also distinguished by its good conductivity of electricity. Therefore, gold is also widely used in the field of microelectronics. They use it to store savings and even for treatment. However, at least half of the countries' total gold reserves go to the jewelry industry. What alloys are added to metal and why?

What is 585 gold?

Most of the gold on Earth is found in the core of our planet. However, some part is also found on land in natural sources. From there, the metal is mined and then used in the jewelry and electronics industries.

The weight of gold is measured in troy ounces (1 troy ounce = 31.103 grams). But there is another indicator - carats, which indicates the purity of the metal. Gold without any impurities is 24 carats. 18K metal contains 75% gold and 25% other compounds. The minimum number of carats varies by country. For example, in the USA the permissible minimum is 10 carats, and in Europe - 9. In Greece, this figure can drop to 8.

Another criterion by which the quality of gold is assessed is its fineness. It shows how many parts of the precious metal are contained in the ligature. For example, if it contains 58.5% gold, then it is 585. And the remaining 41.5% is made up of other metals.

Benefits of 585 sample

Thanks to the carefully adjusted ratio of metals, 585 sample has the following advantages:

• Gold is resistant to friction.
• Pairs perfectly with precious stones.
• Not prone to corrosion.
• It doesn't get dark.

If you have ever worn jewelry made from silver or other alloys, then you know how quickly jewelry loses its original color. And some also leave marks on the skin. A gold ring or earrings will never turn black or green; you only need to clean them once a year to maintain shine and color.

Manufacturing process

Yellow gold jewelry is still the most popular. The process of alloying—mixing other metals with pure 24-karat gold—gives the modern material greater durability.

But impurities are added to pure gold not only for its strength. This is also done for the following reasons:

• Fluidity - for impurities the limit of this parameter is much higher.
• Color - copper or silver allows you to slightly change the shade of gold. This produces the pink and white appearance of the precious metal.
• The hardness of gold also increases noticeably with the addition of nickel or copper.

Simply put, adding impurities can significantly improve the characteristics of the metal and make it more durable and beautiful. Pure gold is too soft for everyday jewelry. With frequent wear, they quickly become deformed and lose their color. That is why the most popular is 585 gold, which has an optimal price-quality ratio.

What impurities are added?

Different shades of 585 gold are created in different ways. For example, pink is obtained by adding copper. White gold, which can easily be confused with silver, is also made by adding copper and a small amount of silver. Unlike the latter metal, such gold is much stronger and more beautiful.

In addition to the above compounds, other alloys are added:

• Zinc.
• Nickel - along with copper, gives gold its hardness and resistance to corrosion.
• Palladium allows you to make delicate jewelry of the most incredible shapes.
• Platinum imparts a silvery color and increases the density of the finished product, extending its service life.
• Antimony increases fluidity and helps reduce the cost of production. It is added to Olympic medals: in fact, they contain only 1% of the precious metal.

Alloy advantages

Most often you can find 14-karat gold on sale. 585 standard is usually represented by the following ratio: 58.5% - the content of the most precious metal, 33% - copper and 8% silver.

Why does copper take second place? The fact is that this metal is the most resistant to deformation. In addition, copper has a reddish tint, which allows you to change the color of gold. It is also good for making jewelry that is often exposed to water. Copper is slightly susceptible to corrosion, so a 585 ring, even on the hand of a housewife, will not lose its beauty for a long time.

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Source: https://BusinessMan.ru/post/proba-zachem-v-zoloto-dobavlyayut-serebro-med-surmu-svinets-i-prochie-himicheskie-elementyi.html

Types of gold - samples and colors

Since ancient times, gold has attracted people not only for its properties, but also for its beauty and value. One of the three precious metals has been decorating people's homes and bodies for many years. Metal is a subject of status and belonging to a certain segment of the population. In addition, gold plays an important role in the life of every state. After all, it is precisely this that constitutes the gold reserve of each country and it backs up the national currency. Gold ensures the economic independence of the country.

Theories of gold formation on Earth

There are several versions about how gold appeared on Earth. Scientists have not yet come to a consensus on the question of how gold was formed on Earth. However, there are several theories about its origin:

1. Astrophysical theory. Its essence lies in the assumption that the aurum was formed as a result of the collision of two supernovae and the nuclear reaction that occurs. As a result of the explosion, matter is formed that is thrown into outer space. There it cools, as a result of which several nuclear reactions are launched. The substance formed as a result spreads and becomes material for the formation of new celestial bodies - planets.
2. Meteorite theory. In this theory, astrophysicists agree that aurum came to Earth from outside, or rather from space. This happened due to a meteorite attack. Given that gold is unevenly distributed on Earth, this theory is considered plausible. In the case of the previous theory, the metal was more likely distributed evenly across the globe, so it is less likely.
3. Biological theory. Scientists biologists defend this theory. They believe that gold reserves are replenished due to the activity of microbacteria. Currently, research is being carried out in places where the metal is mined. The theory still requires a lot of proof.

How gold was discovered on Earth

This precious metal was discovered by man even before our era. Scientists do not agree on dates. Some argue that the discovery of metal happened in the Mesolithic, others insist on the age of dominance of bronze. It is believed that this metal was the first to be discovered by man. The fact is that in nature it is presented in the form of yellow, sparkling nuggets.

It was simply impossible not to notice how the gold glittered. It is interesting that aurum became precious and expensive only after the stratification of society into classes. Findings by scientists that indicate the presence of this metal in ancient cultures date back to the 4th millennium BC.

In the 3-2 millennium BC, this element was widespread in Egyptian culture, as well as in Indian and Chinese. Of course, then it was already the privilege of kings, rulers, and monks. The largest reserves have been explored in Ancient Egypt.

But as a result of numerous wars, they moved first to Assyria, then to Babylon, to the Persian Empire and remained in Rome for a long time thanks to Alexander the Great. After his death, the jewel went to various countries.

On the territory of Russia, acquaintance with the noble metal occurs many centuries later, or rather in the 18th century. The pioneer was Erofei Markov from Yekaterinburg. He found a nugget and reported it to the Office of the main plant in Yekaterinburg.

After which he decided to try to dig up the ground in this place and found several more stones with shiny inclusions. Later, a gold mine was formed on this site. As a result of a successful discovery, a group of mines called Berezovsky was formed even later.

Work in the mines was very hard and later convicts began to mine gold. One of the largest Russian mines is located in the Urals.

Subsequently, “yellow oil” played a vital role in world history. Thanks to him, a system of commodity-money relations was born in the world, which continues to operate to this day. Today, an important component of each state is its gold and foreign exchange reserves.

The higher it is, the more prosperous, prosperous, and stable the country is considered. Russia ranks 7th after Switzerland, China, France, Italy, Germany and the leader of America's gold reserves. According to rough estimates, over the entire period of knowledge about the presence of gold, about 160 thousand tons have been mined by humans.

Presumably, the total amount of gold reserves on Earth is 205 thousand tons.

999 gold or red gold

The most expensive type of metal is 999 gold. This means that 1 kg contains 99.9% pure metal. This is the purest gold on the planet and is available only to the state. Bullions of this exact standard are stored in the gold and foreign exchange funds of each country.

This standard is not available in jewelry not because of its high cost, but because of the softness of the metal. It is simply impossible to create jewelry from 999 samples that can be worn for a long time. The popular or trade name of the alloy is red. It is called so because of its reddish hue. It especially manifests itself when heated.

This indicates the high quality of the metal. In Ancient Rus', wedding rings were made from this alloy.

750 gold

This type of metal sample can also be found on the shelves of jewelry stores. The amount of metal in it will be 75%. It is less common than 585 gold.

585 gold

585 standard is most often found on store shelves. It contains 58.5% pure metal. The rest is impurities that increase the stability and longevity of the decoration.

White and yellow gold

The most common shades are white and yellow. Yellow is a natural shade with the addition of copper and silver. Depending on the concentration of a particular metal, the shade of yellow changes. For example, the reddish tint is due to a higher proportion of copper. Lemon - because of the silver.

White gold becomes this by adding palladium or platinum. These metals also add strength to the alloy.

Pink gold

A common type of aurum is a pink tint. This one looks very delicate and is used mainly for women's jewelry. To obtain it, copper and 2.3 parts of silver are added. Many famous brands use rose gold.

Red gold

Red metal is found less frequently, rather in individual collections. It looks very unusual and is intended for lovers of truly unusual things. It is obtained by adding large amounts of copper, sometimes up to 50%. Because of this, such jewelry, despite its outlandishness, can cost less than other types of metal.

Blue and green gold

Green and blue shades look even more extravagant and exotic. Green is obtained by gradually adding silver. Depending on its concentration, the shade of the source material changes.

The blue color of the metal is achieved by adding cobalt or steel. In the case of steel inclusions, the color will change to a cool shade of blue. Cobalt will give a more delicate, blue tint. Sometimes the blue tint is achieved by applying rhodium plating.

Gray gold

There is even gray gold. It is very similar to white, but has a darker shade. In addition to those metals that are added to create a white tint, zinc, silver and nickel are also added.

Black gold

The most refined type of precious metal is black. Its popularity is only gaining momentum. Jewelers and store clerks call it blackened gold. Its cost is slightly higher than usual, but this does not detract from its attractiveness to buyers.

There are several ways to make black gold.

To achieve black color, jewelers use 3 methods:

1. Addition of chromium, sulfur and cobalt to the alloy.
2. Rhodium plating.
3. Use of amorphous carbon.

In the first method, each metal makes its contribution. Cobalt gives a silvery tint. In addition, it increases the strength and wear resistance of gold. Chrome is the key element in this alloy; it gives the desired black color. Sulfur acts as a binder.

Rhodium plating also imparts the desired color to the metal. In addition, rhodium creates an additional protective film, which further protects the jewelry from damage. A laser is used to perform rhodium plating. Similarly, you can make a metal black by coating it with amorphous carbon.

Blackened gold becomes more dense, resistant to impacts, scratches and external influences. Most often, black jewelry is encrusted with diamonds. Emerald, opal, and ruby ​​are also used. Such products look very elegant and stylish. They decorate any outfit and emphasize a person’s status.

However, the color black is not the same on all jewelry. Depending on the jeweler's decision, the shade can vary between light grey, brown and resin black.

You can also divide aurum into types not only based on the shade, but also on the country in which it was produced. Today we have access to any store that is on the Internet and it is not necessary to go to Spain to buy jewelry there.

Gold from Europe

Spain. This country is one of the largest exporters of its jewelry to other countries. The most famous brands are “Tous”, “Carrera”, “Masriera”, “Yanes”. In Spain, products are made from 750-grade metal.

Italy. Italian products are also made from 750 standard, they are distinguished by high-quality polishing and lightness. The jewelers' works are always refined and each is a work of art.

France. In the case of this variety, the word gold is present only in the name. Visually it is impossible to distinguish this alloy from natural metal. It is created from copper, zinc and tin. This is a high-quality alloy, but only suitable for making jewelry. Due to its high quality and visual similarity, the alloy is called the name of the precious metal. It is used to make premium jewelry that is indistinguishable from jewelry.

Why does gold change color

Sometimes, having bought high-quality jewelry in a trusted jewelry store, people are faced with the fact that it changes color over time. For example, it turns green, red or white. Before specifying the reasons, we should remember the physical properties of aurum.

This element is not susceptible to corrosion, the influence of fats, air and water. It also does not react with acids and alkalis.

Among those substances that can affect aurum: aqua regia (gold completely dissolves in it), mercury, liquid bromine, potassium iodide and an aqueous solution of cyanide.

It is also worth remembering that pure metal is never used to make jewelry; it always contains other elements, such as copper. It can react with various elements and change the color of gold.

Greening of gold

If the gold turns green, it means that the copper in it has oxidized. This can also happen due to sweating, for example. This can happen with frequent use of cosmetics, oils, lotions, and perfumes. You should remove jewelry before applying such products to yourself. In addition, many cosmetic products contain mercury or iodine. Copper or other metals in the alloy may react with them and cause a green tint.

Reddening of gold

If the gold turns red, this may also indicate a copper reaction. Depending on the percentage of this metal contained in the alloy, the product may turn green or red. Sometimes, wanting to save money and attract a buyer at a lower price, they cover jewelry with a high copper content with an additional layer of gilding. This layer wears off over time and copper begins to actively react with the human body. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict this even with careful examination in the store.

Discoloration

If gold turns white, it may be due to mercury. When interacting with mercury, gold oxidizes and turns white, mercury absorbs gold. Therefore, carefully read the composition of cosmetics or other products with which you are going to interact. If the thermometer breaks and you are collecting mercury, remove jewelry and wear gloves to avoid getting the substance on the product and on your skin.

If such a nuisance does happen to you, do not despair. Your gold has not turned white forever. It is necessary to place it in fresh air or in a well-ventilated area so that the mercury evaporates. After this happens, the product will return to its previous shade.  

Source: https://mysamocvet.ru/metally/vidy-zolota/

Properties and characteristics of an alloy of gold and platinum

From school chemistry we know that gold is an unusual metal. It practically does not oxidize, and it can only be dissolved in “aqua regia,” a mixture of the strongest acids. The newly created alloy of gold and platinum retains all the positive characteristics of the noble metal, plus high wear resistance and strength. White color emphasizes the purity and color of stones in jewelry.

History of discovery

The Sandia National Laboratories have created the most durable and wear-resistant material. It was designed at the atomic level using a computer. Gold and platinum combined in the alloy strengthened each other's technical characteristics and added very high wear resistance, 100 times higher than high-alloy steels.

Electron microscope studies have shown that when the components are mixed, the unique metal alloy forms a thin layer of diamond lubricant on its surface. Thanks to it, the abrasion resistance increases several times and is superior to high-alloy metals and bronzes.

The alloy was called white gold because it has a dazzling steel luster with a light, barely noticeable tint of yellow. The main component of the alloy is platinum, the percentage of which reaches 90%. And only a tenth is gold.

Composition and structure

When creating an alloy, gold and platinum go through 2 stages of solution formation. First, the molten metals dissolve into each other at the molecular level. Upon cooling, a solid solution is formed when crystals of a pure substance are mixed in similar solidified formations of another component.

Beginners often refer to white gold as:

• silver;
• platinum;
• a separate grade of white gold.

In fact, jewelers at the beginning of the 20th century began mixing 9 parts gold with 1 part palladium. This amount of ligature is enough for the material to acquire a white color and a bright steel shine. This was done in order to pass it off as platinum, which, due to its high melting point, was produced in small quantities and was very expensive. Currently, both precious metals have the same value.

Gradually, other “white gold” compositions began to be produced. The cheapest was an alloy of gold and nickel. The composition had high hardness and was well polished. The lack of material was discovered later. Nickel in the alloy, even within 10%, causes allergies in some people when it comes into contact with skin, especially sweaty or covered with creams.

Silver as a ligature turns gold white, but the surface is matte.

In the jewelry industry, ligatures made from other materials are used.:

• cadmium;
• platinum;
• zinc;
• copper

They are used to make a two-component and complex alloy. It is enough to add 8.4% platinum to make gold white. Copper, on the contrary, makes it red. Cadmium reduces the melting point of a mixture of noble metals, increases ductility and malleability.

Zinc increases the fluidity of gold, allowing it to fill complex shapes well. In small quantities, zinc whitens the precious metal. If it exceeds 5%, a greenish tint and fragility appear.

Characteristics and properties of the alloy

Real white gold in the jewelry industry contains approximately 10% platinum. This is enough for the alloy to acquire special qualities:

• White color;
• bright shine;
• hardness;
• strength;
• fluidity.

The composition is well polished and emphasizes the beauty of the stones and the play of light in them. The strength of the metal makes it possible to produce thin elements with sharp corners that do not lose their shape.

Technical white gold has high electrical conductivity on the surface. The alloy is hard and ductile at the same time, with a high melting point. Diamond lubricant is preserved when heated. An important positive quality of the alloy is its thermal and mechanical stability under long-term exposure to various loads and temperatures.

Manufacturing

The same technologies are used for the production of noble alloys. Melting is carried out in graphite crucibles coated with annealed lime. Pure carbon at high temperatures can enter into a chemical reaction with heated metals and alloys. Each alloy has its own container, which is not used to create similar solutions.

Heating is carried out in induction furnaces. They heat the contents of the crucible to the desired temperature without contact at high speed.

The noble metal is melted first, as it is more resistant to exposure to air and does not create oxides. Then a ligature of other substances is added.

In the production of alloys, chemically pure metals are used - 999.9%. When creating an alloy of gold and silver, the metals are crushed, placed in a crucible and mixed, then melted.

Low-melting cadmium and zinc are first fused with another component of the alloy, copper or silver.

When creating alloys from metals with different melting points, they are individually rolled into very thin sheets, then stacked in the required proportions, rolled and compressed. The briquettes are placed in a crucible.

Where is the alloy used?

White gold is widely used in jewelry making. It highlights the natural color of stones, especially diamonds. Pure gold gives them a yellowish tint. The alloy is well polished to a mirror finish. It is harder than pure metal and holds stones firmly.

Technical white gold has high abrasion resistance and hardness. It is a solid crystalline solution of gold in platinum. The alloy is characterized by high electrical conductivity and heat resistance. It is used to make microcircuits and critical parts in medical equipment. Smartphone manufacturers make the moving elements of the device from technical white gold, increasing their service life several times.

Snow-white alloy is used in industry. Chemists use equipment with white gold parts that are resistant to the destructive forces of acids and alkalis. Also, elements made of expensive alloy are found in electronic devices.

Advantages and disadvantages

Just look at diamond jewelry to be convinced that white gold serves as a magnificent setting for them. Jewelry can be worn day or evening.

Yellow gold loses its shine faster. It is softer, constantly scratches and oxidizes over time. In jewelry with diamonds, the yellow metal imparts its hue to them, changing the play of light in the stone. It is superior to alloy when manufactured by casting because it has a relatively low melting point and high ductility.

The cost of platinum and gold is approximately the same. Therefore, precious metals in pure form and alloy are equally expensive. When struck by a hard object they ring melodiously. The sound fades away in waves.

How to care for white gold jewelry

The precious metal alloy does not oxidize. But white gold products attract dust. Connecting with air moisture, it is firmly held on the surface and clogged into the holes. Jewelry should be cleaned once a month.

1. Make a solution of regular soap with a minimum amount of additives. “Children’s” and “Household” are best suited.
2. Place jewelry in it for a few minutes.
3. Remove and wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. The easiest way to clean a textured surface is with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Jewelry is coated with a thin layer of rhodium during production. It enhances the shine of precious metals. Hard rhodium provides durable protection against scratches and abrasions. Gradually, the protective coating is worn out in places and should be renewed. You won't be able to do this on your own. You should take your jewelry to a jeweler for cleaning.

The microcircuits are wiped with a damp cloth when the equipment is turned off. After this they are dried.

White gold is the name given to various alloys in which alloys are added to the precious metal to whiten it and improve its technical characteristics. The wear resistance of the metal justifies its high cost.

Source: https://metalloy.ru/splavy/zolota-i-platiny