What is the density of gold?

Gold’s compact structure and high density make it unique, but how much is it exactly? Here, we summarize why density is crucial and what it means for gold.

What is density?

Density is a measure of how much mass is contained within a given volume. The greater the mass per unit of volume, the higher the material’s density.

What is the density of gold?

Gold has a density of 19.32 g/cm³, making it significantly heavier than many other common metals. For comparison, lead has a density of 11.34 g/cm³, and silver has a density of 10.49 g/cm³.

Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is close to gold with a density of 19.25 g/cm³ and is sometimes used to counterfeit gold due to their similar weight.

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Comparative density table

This table shows various metals and their respective densities.

image source: tavexbullion

The practical implications of gold’s density

Here are some areas where gold’s high density plays an important role:

• Jewelry: The heavy feel of gold gives an impression of quality.
• Electronics: Gold’s density and conductivity make it perfect for small and efficient components.
• Investment: The high density of gold allows large values to be stored in small forms like gold bars and coins.

How does density affect different gold alloys?

The purity of gold, measured in karats, directly affects its density. Pure gold (24 karats) has the highest density, while 18k gold, which is mixed with other metals, has a slightly lower density. Here’s a quick comparison:

24k gold: 19.32 g/cm³

18k gold: ~15.58 g/cm³ (varies depending on the alloy)

14k gold: ~12.9 g/cm³ (varies depending on the alloy)

How to measure the density of gold

There are a few simple methods to measure the density of gold:

• Water displacement method: By submerging the gold in water and measuring the displaced volume, you can calculate its density.
• Hydrostatic balance: A specialized scale that measures the weight of gold in both air and water to accurately determine its density.

Gold’s density is one of its most fascinating characteristics and makes it unique in many ways.

Do you have any questions or thoughts on gold’s density? Feel free to comment below!