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 valuables. Pure gold is 24 carats or 999 thousandths. However, pure gold is very soft and is not suitable for jewelry. For this reason, it is mixed with other metals to obtain different colors, hardnesses and prices.
The most common types of gold are 14kt, 18kt, and 24kt. The caratage (kt) of gold indicates the proportion of pure gold that an alloy contains. These are the characteristics of each type of gold:
- 24kt gold: It 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 malle. It has an intense and bright yellow color. It is the most expensive and the least used in jewelry.
- 18kt gold: It is the most frequently traded. It has 750 parts per thousand of pure gold and 250 parts per thousand of other metals. In the remaining 250 parts, they are combined with other metals to achieve different colors or finishes. It has a less intense yellow color than 24kt. It is harder and more resistant than 24kt. It is more affordable than 24kt but more expensive than 14kt.
- 14kt gold: It 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.
But what happens when gold is exposed to a chemical element like chlorine?
Chlorine is an oxidizing agent found in many cleaning and disinfecting 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 exposure to chlorine. In general, the higher the karatage of the gold, the less the reaction with chlorine. This is because pure gold is very inert and does not react with almost any other chemical element.
However, base metals that are 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 immersed in a solution that contains it, such as bleach or pool water.
Chlorine can dissolve the base metals in the alloy, leaving a brittle, porous layer of pure gold.
This can easily cause gold to break or crack. Also, chlorine can alter the color of gold, making it paler or darker. Chlorine vapors can affect gold when it is exposed to air that contains this element, such as that found in bathrooms or kitchens. Chlorine can form hydrochloric acid by reacting with moisture in the air, and this acid can attack gold and base metals. This can cause black or green spots on the gold's surface, as well as 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 must be removed before coming into contact with products that contain chlorine, such as bleach, detergents, disinfectants or pool water.
Gold jewelry should also be stored in a dry place away from sources of chlorine, such as bathrooms or kitchens. In addition, gold jewelry should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth and warm water to remove any debris or dirt that could damage it.