2006-07-03 01:39:48 · 3 answers · asked by loulou 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
gold karrats refer to the % of gold to other metal, 18K is around 75% gold, 22K is probably like 81%. the most pure gold is still only 95%.
2006-07-03 01:47:16 · answer #1 · answered by jason p 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That doesn't make sense. Pure gold is considered to be 24K. If you have 18K gold, you have 18/24 (18 out of 24 parts) pure gold. Divide to get 75% gold. The rest of the alloy is some other substance that makes the item less malleable and stronger (Pure gold is very, very malleable, it can be flattened into sheets that you can see through!) Silver, nickel, palladium, or copper are examples of what might be added.
22k gold is 22 or 24 parts gold.
2006-07-03 01:49:47 · answer #2 · answered by b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the gold in 22K is 18K or higher. Karat is a variation of carat and both originally meant the weight of a carob seed. Commonly today, karat refers to the weight of gold and carat refers to the weight of dimonds (and other gems). If you add 4K of an alloy (perhaps copper or silver) to dilute 22K gold it will become 18K gold (18 parts of 24 parts). The alloys of copper or silver are added for strength and durability and to obtain a desired color (redness for copper) when making jewelry. 24K gold is far too soft and a small gold coin can be beat to make enough gold foil to cover a horse!
2006-07-03 02:12:31 · answer #3 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋