White Gold
Alloys · Rare · Modern
Gold alloyed with palladium, nickel, or other white metals to produce a silver-white material that combines gold's prestige and corrosion resistance with a contemporary appearance. Created in the early 20th century as a platinum substitute.
Identity
- Source
- Modern alloy: gold and white metals
- Made from
- Gold
- Aliases
- 18k white gold, Palladium gold
Physical Properties
- Appearance
- Bright white-silver, indistinguishable from platinum to the eye, often rhodium-plated for extra brilliance
- Luster
- Metallic
- Density
- 15.5 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 960 °C
- Boiling point
- 1900 °C
- Lighter
- Rose Gold
- Denser
- Daedric Metal
- Magnetism
- Non-magnetic
- Electrical conductivity
- High
Mechanical Properties
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Softer
- Shakudo
- Harder
- Hepatizon
- Workability
- Moderate
- Brittleness
- Tough
- Malleability
- High
- Ductility
- High
Chemical Properties
- Corrosion resistance
- very high
- Reactivity
- very low
Lore & Narrative
White gold was developed during World War I when platinum was restricted for military use. Jewelers needed a platinum alternative that could still command premium prices. The result was a material that looked like platinum but cost considerably less.
- Notable uses
- Engagement rings, fine jewelry, high-end watchmaking
- Forge uses
- jewelry, watchmaking
- Worldbuilding traits
- modern, prestigious, deceptive-appearance, luxury
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