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rootofallworlds t1_izxuoiz wrote

Not directly. But an initially polished gold object will dull as it wears; as its surface is roughened by contact with other objects. A harder gold alloy will wear more slowly than a softer one.

Pure gold is rather soft so jewellery (and circulating coinage historically) is typically made of an alloy with the gold content described in either karats (24 is nearly pure) or millesimal fineness (1000 is pure). For example 22 karat / 916 fine and 18 karat / 750 are commonly used, with 18 karat being harder than 22 which is harder than 24. The alloying elements are usually silver and copper but other elements may be used, typically to change the colour of the alloy but the hardness will also be affected.

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