What is Gold Purity?

Gold purity refers to the amount of pure gold present in an alloy. Pure gold is too soft for making jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc to increase durability. The purity is measured in karats or fineness percentage.

The Karat System

The karat (K) system measures gold purity on a scale of 1 to 24, where 24K represents pure gold.

Common Gold Karats in India:

• 24K Gold: 99.9% pure gold (rarely used for jewelry due to softness)
• 22K Gold: 91.6% pure gold, 8.4% other metals (most popular in India)
• 18K Gold: 75% pure gold, 25% other metals (common in Western jewelry)
• 14K Gold: 58.3% pure gold, 41.7% other metals
• 10K Gold: 41.7% pure gold, 58.3% other metals

How to Calculate Gold Purity

You can calculate the pure gold content using this simple formula:

Pure Gold = Total Weight × (Karat ÷ 24)

Example: 10 grams of 22K gold contains 10 × (22÷24) = 9.17 grams of pure gold

Gold Hallmarks: Quality Assurance

Hallmarks are official marks stamped on gold jewelry to certify its purity and authenticity.

BIS Hallmark (Bureau of Indian Standards)

• Mandatory for gold jewelry above 0.5 grams
• Contains fineness mark (916 for 22K, 750 for 18K)
• Jeweler's identification mark
• Year of hallmarking

International Hallmarks

• UK: Britannia mark for 95.8% purity
• USA: 585 for 14K, 750 for 18K
• Italy: 585 for 14K

Gold Testing Methods

Traditional Methods

• Touchstone Testing: Rubbing gold on a black stone and comparing streak with acid
• Acid Testing: Using nitric acid to test purity (not recommended for valuable pieces)

Modern Scientific Methods

• XRF Testing: X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (most accurate, non-destructive)
• Fire Assay: Melting and chemical analysis (destructive, used for bullion)
• Ultrasonic Testing: Density measurement

How Purity Affects Gold Value

Gold value is calculated based on:

1. Weight: Total weight of the jewelry
2. Purity: Percentage of pure gold
3. Gold Rate: Current market price per gram

Formula: Value = Weight × Purity × Gold Rate

Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Higher karat means better quality jewelry
• Fact: 22K is preferred in India for durability and tradition

• Myth: All gold jewelry is hallmarked
• Fact: BIS hallmarking became mandatory only recently

Why Accurate Purity Testing Matters

• Fair Valuation: Ensures you get the right price
• Quality Assurance: Confirms what you're buying/selling
• Legal Compliance: Important for taxation and documentation
• Peace of Mind: Eliminates doubts about authenticity

Final Thoughts

Understanding gold purity is essential for making informed decisions about buying or selling gold. Always insist on scientific testing methods and verified hallmarks to ensure you're getting the best value for your gold.

At AuFluence, we use state-of-the-art XRF technology to provide accurate purity testing and detailed valuation certificates for all our customers.