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The Colour of Gold

Published Monday 14th September 2009

While gold is often considered a descriptive colour, only pure gold is the traditional yellow colour we all picture when dreaming of vaults full of gold bars.

In its varying forms and uses, gold is often reffered to in several colour extremes. The differing colours of gold are created by the varying quantities of Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Copper (Cu) and several other elements in the alloy.

White gold is the most common coloured gold and is a composite alloy with the addition of nickel or occasionally palladium - White gold is often used for jewellery thanks to its hard wearing property.

Red, pink or rose coloured gold derives its colour from the high copper content - Rose gold is usually 18 carat gold with a 3 - 1 copper to gold content ratio.

Purple and blue gold commonly contain around 20% aluminium (purple gold) or indium (blue gold). Bluish gold is less common as its alloy partner indium lacks the strength required to make it a feasible choice for jewellery.

Grey gold is relatively uncommon and contains a mixture of alloys, most notably manganese.

A 3 - 1 ratio of silver mixed with pure gold creates what is commonly known as green gold.

The value of coloured gold is dictated by the quantity of the pure gold content (the carat value). Coloured gold is most commonly found in decorative jewellery and so will often feature other elements such as precious stones which will add to its value.

For more information about the colour of gold and the value of your coloured gold jewellery, contact Scrap Gold on 0121 523 1046.

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