What happens when 14kt, 18kt and 24kt gold is put in chlorine?
Gold is a precious metal that has been used since ancient times to make jewelry and valuable objects. Pure gold is 24 karats or 999 parts per thousand. However, pure gold is very soft and not suitable for jewelry. Therefore, it is mixed with other metals to achieve different colors, hardnesses, and prices.
The most common types of gold are 14kt, 18kt, and 24kt. The karat (kt) of gold indicates the proportion of pure gold contained in an alloy. These are the characteristics of each type of gold:
- 24kt gold: This is fine gold, which has 999 parts per thousand of pure gold. Because it is not combined with any other metal, it is very malleable and of a lower consistency, making it easy to shape. It has an intense and bright yellow color. It is the most expensive and the least used in jewelry.
- 18kt gold: This is the most frequently sold. It has 750 parts per thousand of pure gold and 250 parts per thousand of other metals. The remaining 250 parts are combined with other metals to achieve different colors or finishes. It has a less intense yellow color than 24kt gold. It is harder and more resistant than 24kt gold. It is more affordable than 24kt gold but more expensive than 14kt gold.
- 14kt gold: This is a metal alloy that contains 58.5% gold and 41.5% other metals, such as silver, copper, zinc, or nickel. 14kt gold is widely used in jewelry for its durability, affordability, and appearance. It has a less intense yellow color than 18kt gold.
But what happens when gold is exposed to a chemical element like chlorine?
Chlorine is an oxidizing agent found in many cleaning and disinfection products, such as bleach or pool water. Chlorine can react with gold and its accompanying metals, causing discoloration, corrosion, and irreversible damage.
The reaction of chlorine with gold depends on the type of gold and the degree of chlorine exposure. In general, the higher the karat of the gold, the less it will react with chlorine. This is because pure gold is very inert and reacts with almost no other chemical element.
However, the base metals mixed with gold are more susceptible to chlorine attack. Chlorine can attack gold in two ways: by direct contact or by vapors. Direct contact with chlorine can occur when gold is submerged in a solution containing it, such as bleach or pool water.
Chlorine can dissolve the base metals in the alloy, leaving a porous and fragile layer of pure gold.
This can cause the gold to break or crack easily. Additionally, chlorine can alter the color of gold, making it paler or darker. Chlorine vapors can affect gold when it is exposed to air containing this element, such as that found in bathrooms or kitchens. Chlorine can form hydrochloric acid when it reacts with air moisture, and this acid can attack gold and base metals. This can cause black or green stains on the surface of the gold, as well as a loss of shine and luster.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid contact of gold with chlorine, both direct and indirect. To do this, gold jewelry should be removed before coming into contact with products containing chlorine, such as bleach, detergents, disinfectants, or pool water.
Gold jewelry should also be stored in a dry place away from chlorine sources, such as bathrooms or kitchens. In addition, gold jewelry should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth and warm water to remove any residue or dirt that could damage it.