Purity
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"Purity" refers to the degree or concentration of the within a given piece of material or alloy. It measures how much of the substance is the actual pure metal compared to any impurities, alloys, or other elements present. Purity is a critical factor in determining the quality and value of precious metal products because higher purity typically corresponds to higher value.
The purity of precious metals is often expressed in terms of fineness or as a percentage. Here are some common ways to express the purity of various precious metals:
Gold Purity: Gold is often measured in terms of (karats in the United States) or as a percentage of pure gold content. For example, 24-karat gold is considered pure gold, containing 99.9% gold by mass. 18-karat gold contains 75% gold, with the remaining 25% made up of other metals like copper or silver.
Silver Purity: The purity of silver is typically expressed as a percentage of pure silver content. For example, .999 fine silver means that the material is 99.9% pure silver. Sterling silver, often used in jewelry, is typically 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals.
Platinum and Palladium Purity: Platinum and palladium are measured in a similar way to gold, often expressed in terms of fineness. For example, 950 platinum indicates that the alloy is 95% pure platinum.
Rhodium Purity: Rhodium, another precious metal often used for plating and in the manufacture of catalytic converters, is typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or parts per million (ppm). For example, 1000 ppt or 1,000,000 ppm indicates pure rhodium.
Higher-purity precious metals are generally more valuable because they contain a larger percentage of the precious metal itself. The purity of precious metals is critical in various applications, including jewelry, , , industrial uses, and electronics, where the metal's characteristics and properties are essential. Impurities or lower purity can affect the metal's color, durability, and performance in different applications.
Precious metals are often tested and to determine their purity accurately. Assaying involves chemical or analytical methods to determine the precise composition of a metal sample and verify its purity. This is particularly important in industries like jewelry and investment-grade bullion, where the exact purity of the metal is a key factor in determining its value and quality.
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