Karat, also spelled Carat, a measure of the fineness (i.e., purity) of gold. It is spelled carat outside the United States but should not be confused with the unit used to measure the weight of gems, also called carat. let’s discuss more about carat vs karat ?
What is the Difference Between Carat vs Karat ?
So many were searching for questions like 24 carat gold vs 24 karat gold, 22 carat gold vs 22 karat gold, 18 carat gold vs 18 karat gold, 14 carat gold vs 14 karat gold, 12 carat gold vs 12 karat gold, 10 carat gold vs 10 karat gold, 9 carat gold vs 9 karat gold, first understand the meaning of carat vs karat.
Carat – It is a unit of weight used to measure diamonds and pearls or any other precious stones. 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams make a metric carat. Carats are abbreviated to ct. Carats are often mistaken to denote size and measure gold.
Karat – It is a unit of used to measure the purity of gold. Whenever the gold is mixed with another metal the purity of the gold will be reduced to 22k, 18k, 14k, 10k, and 9k. As gold is soft metal and can be alloyed with another metal. Karat is abbreviated to kt or k.
Interesting facts about gold
Gold is one precious metal which retains shine over the use by the world population for an investment. Being a natural resource, Gold is the only metal that is yellow or “golden.” Other metals may develop a yellowish color, but only after they have oxidized or reacted with other chemicals. India is one of the largest consumers of gold in the globe, estimates over 20,000 tonnes.
- Gold has been discovered on every continent on earth.
- Human body contains about 0.2 milligrams of gold, most of it in our blood.
- Another important fact is earthquakes turn water into gold.
- 24k Gold melts at 1063°C or 1945°F.
- The world’s oceans contain nearly 20 million tons of gold.
- Olympic Gold Medals only contains 1.34% of gold.
- Indian housewives hold 11% of the World’s Gold. That is more than the reserves of the U.S., IMF, Switzerland and Germany put together.
- Injecting gold into the body can help fight cancer.
- Pure gold does not cause skin irritations.
What are the different purity levels in gold?
Gold is purchased by purity, weight, and color, the purity of gold is measured in a unit called ‘Karat’. The different purity levels of gold are 9 karat gold, 10 karat gold, 14 karat gold, 18 karat gold, 22 karat gold and 24 karat gold. Where 24 karat gold is used extensively as an investment, 22 and 18 karat gold can be used to make jewellery and ornaments. When alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, palladium, and zinc. it is called 22k, 18k, 14k and 10 karat and 9 karats depending upon the percentage of gold mixed with the other metal. let’s see more about the types of gold,
9k Gold
9 Karat gold is made when 37.5 percent of gold is mixed with 42.5 percent of silver and 20 percent of copper. When palladium is mixed with 9k gold for the making of 9k white gold.
- Color: 9K Gold is not a light yellowish color, and it is a not recommended choice if you are looking for greater shine. Buy only if you don’t care much about color and if you put greater importance on price and affordability.
- Strength: the hardness and durability of metal depending on the type of metals mixed for their proportions. This 9k is toughest of all purity of gold.
- Cost: 9 karat jewelry contains less gold, so it is cheaper than 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, 24k.
10k Gold
10 karat gold is made when 41.7 percent of gold is mixed with 52 percent of silver and 6.3 percent of copper. When palladium is mixed with 10k gold for the making of 10k white gold.
- Color: 10K Gold is brighter than 9k, but lesser color than 14k gold and it is a choice if you don’t care much about color and if you put importance on price and affordability.
- Strength: the hardness and durability of this 10k gold are stronger than 22k and 24k This 10k is toughest of all purity of gold except 9k.
- Cost: 10 karat jewellery contains less gold, so it is cheaper than 14k, 18k, 22k, 24k.
14K Gold
As a beautiful and durable metal, 14 Karats are made when 58.30 percent of gold is mixed with 30 percent of silver and 11.70 percent of copper thus, 14K gold is also reasonably priced.
- Color: 14K Gold is brighter than 10k, but lesser color than 18k gold and it is a choice for wedding bands and can handle with less care.
- Strength: its not very hard than 10k gold, but the hardness and durability of this 14k gold are stronger than 22k and 24k.
- Cost: 14 karat gold jewellery is cheaper than 18k, 22k, 24k.
18k Gold
18 karat gold is a mixture of gold and metals in the ratio 3:1, i.e. 75% pure gold and 25% (15% silver and 10% copper) metals. This is commonly cheaper than 22 and 24 karat gold. Normally 18k gold is being used in diamond jewellery. It is less expensive than 22k or 24k gold.
- Color: 18K Gold is brighter than 14k, but lesser color than 22k gold and it is a choice for wedding jewellery and costly too.
- Strength: its harder than 22k gold and 24k gold.
- Cost: 18 karat gold jewellery is normally cheaper than 22k, 24k, so its widely preferred for the wedding.
22k Gold
The material composition of 22 Karat gold is 91.67% of gold is alloyed with three metals 5% of silver, 2% of copper and 1.30% of zinc
Jewellery made of this 22k gold is durable as the mixture of other metals makes the gold harder. Most preferred by people in purchasing as chains, necklaces, rings and other kinds of jewellery.
- Color: 22K Gold is brighter it’s color similar to 24k gold. most preferred gold by the peoples.
- Strength: its not very hard, easy to break. Also possible to wear everyday.
- Cost: 22 karat gold jewellery presently 3000rs+.
24k Gold
24K gold is the purest gold hence it contains 100% gold. It is 99.9% pure and doesn’t mix with any other metal. 24 karat gold is expensive than all level purity of golds. It is very soft and its rigidity is very less.
Though it is best for jewellery making but not recommended for diamond or gemstone studded jewellery.
- Color: 24K Gold is real gold, so its color is real golden color.
- Strength: its not very hard its soft and can break easily, unable to make jewellery.
- Cost: 24 karat gold jewellery costlier of all. mainly used for investments.
Conclusion:
All 18k, 24k and 22k gold signify the purity of gold. that’s the difference between carat vs karat in short overview
24K gold = 100% Pure Gold
22K Gold = (4.167 * 22) = 91.67% Pure Gold
18K Gold = (4.167 * 18) = 75% Pure Gold
14K Gold = (4.167 * 14) = 58.33% Pure Gold
10K Gold = (4.167 * 10) = 41.67% Pure Gold
