Calculate the measured density of a gold sample from its mass and volume, then compare the result with reference densities for pure gold and selected karat-gold alloys. This page is designed for practical screening and measurement analysis.
Mass + volume → measured density.
Reference comparisons are screening aids. Alloy formulas, hollow construction and mixed materials can shift real density.
The most important practical challenge is determining volume accurately. For a simple solid with known dimensions, volume can be calculated geometrically. For irregular jewellery, water displacement can be more useful.
| Material | Approx. Density | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 24K / Pure Gold | 19.32 g/cm³ | Reference for pure gold |
| 22K | ~17.5 g/cm³ | Approximate alloy reference |
| 18K | ~15.5 g/cm³ | Composition-dependent |
| 14K | ~13.1 g/cm³ | Composition-dependent |
Hollow jewellery, stones, solder, attached findings, trapped air, incorrect dimensions and incomplete immersion can all affect the calculated result. A plated object can also retain the density characteristics of its underlying material.
A measured density close to the expected value can support a material hypothesis. A large mismatch can indicate a different alloy, significant non-gold content, hollow construction or measurement error. It does not by itself identify which explanation is correct.
Measure mass and determine volume, then divide mass by volume.
Approximately 19.32 g/cm³.
No. It is a screening method.
Any volume error directly affects the calculated density.
Yes, as an approximate screening comparison.