Does Gold Rust? What if It’s Pure?


In its pure state, gold does not rust, and there are several explanations behind this conclusion. To better understand the question ‘does gold rust,” we need first to know what is gold and rust.

Pure gold does not rust. However, many gold items are not pure. They are mixed with other metals, and some metals used in gold jewelry may rust. This causes the gold to appear as though it has rusted. Gold rusted this way can be treated using household methods.

Gold is a precious yellow metal and a chemical element of atomic number 79 in a periodic table. Being a noble metal makes gold the least reactive metal that is not easily oxidated, and that is why you will find pure gold shiny always. Unlike other metals, gold is extracted from the ground in its pure state, but other metals undergo various industrial processes to extra a metal from its ore. 

Gold is a valuable and expensive metal that is often used as a measure of wealth. In other words, it is only affordable by the wealthy group in the community.

What is rust?

We can say rusting is a yellow coloring on metal, or if you like it more chemical, then we can define rust as a reddish-brown coating on a metal that is brought by oxidation. Rusting occurs when a hydrated iron oxide reacts with water and oxygen. Therefore, rust occurs when a metal is exposed to water over a long period, but there are also other forms of rust. 

Does gold rust? 

The answer is a straight no. gold in its pure state does not rust, but being a malleable metal, gold is combined with other metals to form a strong metal. For example, gold is combined with nickel, iron, and copper to create a strong metal, and due to this, some people say their gold is rusted. The truth is it was not gold that rusted but the metal that gold was combined with. 

We have different levels of gold purity. As mentioned above, to make jewelry or a precious item, gold needs to be combined with other elements and, as a result, the likelihood of rusting.

Gold is measured in carat. So the pure gold measures 24k and purity decreases as we go down. For example, 24 carats is pure gold that is very expensive and cannot be used to make any jewelry due to its malleable nature. The next 18k gold is more potent compared to the latter. This can be used to make jewelry though a bit expensive compared to 14k and 10k gold types. 

With that explanation am sure you understand that gold does not react with oxygen in its purest state, but it reacts when combined with other metals or elements like nickel and iron. Another incident where gold can react with oxygen resulting in rust is when it is exposed to chemicals like deodorant, acid-based cleaning solutions, and perfumes that destroy the quality of gold over time. 

What happens when gold rusts?

First, gold cannot rust, but since it cannot be used in its pure state, it is then combined with other elements to make jewelry. Therefore, it is the combination of these elements that rusts. For example, 24k gold does not rust, but you will mostly see rusts in 10k and 14k golds. When rusting occurs, the outside layer of the gold becomes reddish. Still, the good news is you can easily remove the coating or the rust using various available methods or by finding a professional to restore it. 

Can 14k gold rust?

If you have been in a market to buy gold jewelry, I am sure you have come across 14k gold. It is the most popular gold and people’s choice when it comes to gold. The reason behind its popularity is because it is affordable and strong. As we have mentioned early on, 14k gold is not 100% gold. Gold is a softer metal that cannot stand on its own. It, therefore, needs a combination of some metals to do the work.

In this case, 14k gold is formed by combining 58.3% of gold with zinc, iron, nickel, copper, and rhodium plating to strengthen its composition. This kind of gold is commonly used in making engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and eternity bands, among other fine jewelry. It is easy to identify 14k gold. You need to look at the description given. 

Can 14k gold rust? Gold alone cannot rust, but it rusts since it is a mixture of gold and some metals. Rusting is caused by the corrosion of the surface, which in turn causes dark-tinged discoloration of the metal. Typically, 14k gold is made by combining ten other metals like silver, zinc, copper, and nickel. In the process, the value of this gold is diluted, thus the occurrence of rust. Rusting is the process where oxygen reacts with a metal.

Gold is less reactive; therefore, it cannot rust, but rust occurs when combined with other metals that are oxidizing agents. However, the process of rusting is not a quick one. It takes time to rust. 

If you have rusted gold, you should not worry because removing it is very easy and cheap. You can undertake several processes to remove rust, and to some extent, you don’t need an expert to do the work unless you decide to.

The first common and easy method of removing the rust is preparing a mixture of non-phosphate dishwashing detergent and tap water. The next step is to scrub the rusted surface with a soft toothbrush and soapy water. Third, rinse the jewelry or your gold in warm water until the water is clean, and finally, use a soft cloth to dry the jewelry gold and give it a few minutes to dry.

Does gold last forever?

Gold in its pure state is highly valued since it does not fade or rust. The value will always remain the same or skyrocket over a long period unless a new, more valuable metal is discovered, something I don’t see happening. However, the durability of gold is dependent on the state of the gold. Today we have two types of gold (solid and plated) golds. Solid is pure gold, also known as 24k. There is a huge difference between these two types of gold.

Solid gold will last forever, while plated gold will last for a long time but not forever. Additionally, plated gold will require a lot of care to last. If you fail to handle it with care, be sure it will disappoint you in the end but sold gold does not require special attention or care to last forever. 

Can I wear gold in the shower?

Gold maintenance is very vital if you have a collection of gold jewelry. Depending on the type of gold you own, the popular answer is no. however, if your gold is 24k which I strongly doubt because of its soft nature and price, plated gold commonly used to make jewelry cannot be worn in the shower because they contain metals that react with oxygen and water to form a clouting also known as rust.

Plated gold requires a lot of care to last for an extended period. If you love your plated gold or jewelry, ensure it does not touch water or soapy substance. If this happens, there are chances a chemical reaction will take place and destroy it. In some cases, we use chemical reactions to test if the gold is pure or not, and if you allow this to happen, it means the shining color of your jewelry will be destroyed since it is not pure gold.

If you want your jewelry to last longer, you should not expose it to water, soapy liquid, or products. The soap contains a non-phosphate chemical that is used to clean rusted gold. This means if you constantly expose it to this product, it will slowly lose its gold touch and become useless.

Gold is costly; thus, its value should be respected. Before going to the shower, remove your gold. Take your shower, dry yourself, and wear it back once you are done. Doing this will never cost you anything, but if you have a lot of money to waste, just wore to the shower and be prepared to buy another one soon. 

Conclusion 

Gold is a valuable metal that is usually used as a measure of wealth. It is challenging for pure gold to rust since it is a less reactive metal on the planet. However, due to this soft nature, gold alone cannot be used to make jewelry or other valuable products; thus, it is combined with other metals to make them strong. 

Rusting is a popular issue with pricy products such as jewelry. However, gold is one of the products that can withstand rusting for an extended period. Gold in its pure state does not rust, but since it is soft, it cannot be used alone; thus, it needs a few chemical reactions to mix it with other stable metals to attain a level where it can be used to make jewelry and other price products. The metals that are added to it are the ones causing rusting. However, it is easy and cheap to remove the rusted surface of your gold jewelry. Treasure your gold well, and it will give you full service. 

Gene Botkin

Hello, I'm Gene. My family belonged to the aristocracy of Old Russia, and I created this site to re-establish a familial connection with them. My aims are to generate interest in aristocratic virtues, such as beauty, honor, and loyalty, and to spread Russian culture.

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