Gold is a highly prized metal, known for its beauty, rarity, and durability. However, many people wonder whether gold is truly indestructible, or if it can be damaged or tarnished by exposure to different types of water.
In this blog, we’ll explore the question of whether gold rusts in different types of water, specifically chlorine, salt water, and normal water. We’ll examine the chemical properties of these different types of water, and consider how they might affect gold over time. So, if you’re curious about whether your gold jewellery or coins are safe from rust, read on to learn more.
Does Gold Rust In Water?
18K Gold
No, 18K gold does not rust in normal water. Rusting is a specific type of corrosion that occurs when iron and other metals react with oxygen and water to form iron oxide. Gold, on the other hand, is a noble metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and does not react with water or oxygen in the same way that iron does.
However, it’s important to note that even though gold does not rust, it can still be affected by other types of corrosion or damage. For example, exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures can cause discoloration or other types of damage to gold jewellery or other items.
So while you don’t need to worry about your 18K gold rusting in normal water, it’s still important to take care of your gold items by storing them properly and avoiding exposure to potentially damaging substances.
24K Gold
24K Gold is a noble metal, which means it is highly resistant to corrosion and does not react with water or oxygen in the same way that iron and other metals do. In fact, gold is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals known to man, which is one of the reasons why it has been used for currency and jewellery for thousands of years.
However, while 24K gold is highly resistant to corrosion, it is still possible for it to become damaged or tarnished over time. Exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures can cause discoloration or other types of damage to gold jewellery or other items, so it’s important to take care when storing and handling your gold items.
Additionally, while 24K gold is the purest form of gold, it is also the softest, which means it may be more prone to scratches or other types of physical damage.
Will Chlorine Damage Gold?
18 & 24K Gold
18K & 24K gold will not rust in chlorine water. Chlorine is a highly reactive chemical element that is often used to disinfect water in swimming pools and other settings. While chlorine can react with other metals to cause corrosion or rust, it does not react with gold in the same way. Gold is a noble metal that is highly resistant to corrosion, which means it does not easily react with other elements or compounds.
However, while 18K & 24K gold may not rust in chlorine water, it can still be affected by other types of damage. Exposure to chlorine, as well as other chemicals commonly found in swimming pools or hot tubs, can cause discoloration or other types of damage to gold jewellery or other items.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, can cause the metal to become weaker or more prone to scratches and other types of physical damage. To avoid damage to your gold items, it’s important to take care when wearing them in settings where they may be exposed to chlorine or other potentially harmful substances.
PLEASE NOTE: To avoid damage to your gold items, it’s important to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after swimming or other activities where they may be exposed to chlorine, and to avoid wearing them in hot tubs or other settings where they may be exposed to high temperatures or harsh chemicals for extended periods of time.
Does 18K and 24K Gold Rust In Salt Water?
No, both 18K and 24K gold do not rust in salt water. Gold is a noble metal that is highly resistant to corrosion, and does not react with saltwater in the same way that iron and other metals do. This is why gold has been found in shipwrecks that have been submerged in saltwater for hundreds of years without rusting or corroding.
One famous example of this is the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that sank off the coast of Florida. This fleet was carrying a large quantity of gold and silver coins, as well as other precious items, and was scattered across the ocean floor after a hurricane. Over the years, many of these treasures have been recovered from the saltwater environment, including gold coins that have been found in near-pristine condition despite being submerged for nearly 300 years.
Another example is the 1857 sinking of the SS Central America, a steamship that was carrying a large quantity of gold from California to New York. The ship sank in a hurricane off the coast of South Carolina, and was rediscovered in the late 20th century. Among the treasures that were recovered from the shipwreck were hundreds of gold coins, many of which were in excellent condition despite being submerged in saltwater for more than 100 years.
Does Fake Gold Rust In Water?
Fake gold can rust in water, depending on the materials used to create the imitation gold. Some types of fake gold are more prone to rusting or corroding than others, especially if they contain metals or alloys that are susceptible to corrosion. Here are some examples of different types of fake gold:
Gold plated jewelry: Gold-plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold to a base metal, such as copper or brass. Over time, this layer of gold can wear off, exposing the base metal to water and air. This can cause the base metal to rust or corrode, which can then affect the appearance of the gold-plated layer.
Gold-filled jewelry: Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, usually through heat and pressure. While this type of jewelry is more durable than gold-plated jewelry, it can still corrode or tarnish over time if exposed to water or other harsh chemicals.
Gold-colored alloys: Some metals, such as brass or bronze, can be mixed with other materials to create a gold-colored alloy. These alloys may look similar to gold, but they are not as durable or resistant to corrosion. Over time, they may rust or corrode if exposed to water or other harsh environments.
It’s important to note that while fake gold may be more prone to rusting or corroding than real gold, it is not necessarily a sign of inferior quality. Many types of fake gold can still be beautiful and durable if they are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
However, if you are unsure about the quality of your gold jewellery or other items, it’s always a good idea to consult with a reputable jeweller or other expert to learn more about the materials used and how to care for them properly.
