Aurea

Gold is a very soft metal when it is pure (24 Kt. is pure gold). Gold is the most malleable and ductile metal. Gold is usually alloyed (mixed with other metals) to make it less expensive and harder.

Alloyed gold comes in many colors, Yellow Gold 50% silver and 50% copper. White Gold Nickel, zinc, copper, tin and manganese. Pink (rose) Gold 90% copper and 10% silver.

The purity of gold jewelry is measured in karats. Some countries hallmark gold with a three-digit number that indicates the parts per thousand of gold. In this system, "750" means 750/1000 gold (equal to 18K); "500" means 500/1000 gold (equal to 12K).