Pure Gold Definition

Gold is considered to be one of the most precious metals in the world. It is identified by its rich, yellow coloring and bright sheen. Once it is processed, it will be melted down either to be formed into bouillon or to be made into jewelry.

Identification

Gold usually contains some impurities. Sometimes gold can be found in nugget form, but most times, it must be extracted from its matrix (ore).

Impurities

Gold will sometimes contain trace amounts of other minerals like copper, silver and iron.

Misconceptions

No gold is 100 percent pure. To be considered "pure," gold must be 99.9 percent pure metal.

Purity

When gold is melted, the color it gives off will determine true purity. Pure gold will have no discoloration (it will look gold) and have a luster to it.

Features

Gold does not react like other metals. In other words, gold doesn't tarnish or discolor like silver, or crumble.

Mining

Gold is removed from the ore by crushing the ore. The gold is then extracted and processed.

Resources

• What is Gold?
• Gold Purity
• Gold Composition