Carat facts for kids
Carat is a word with two main meanings, especially when talking about valuable things like gemstones and gold. It's important to know the difference so you understand what people mean when they use the word "carat"!
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What is a Carat for Gemstones?
When you hear "carat" used with gemstones, like diamonds, it's a unit of weight. One carat is exactly 0.2 grams, which is a very small amount, about the weight of a paperclip. This unit helps jewelers and buyers understand how heavy a gemstone is.
How is Gemstone Weight Measured?
Gemstones are weighed very carefully using special scales. The heavier a gemstone is, the more carats it has. For example, a diamond that weighs 1 gram would be 5 carats (since 1 gram / 0.2 grams per carat = 5 carats).
Why is Carat Weight Important?
The weight of a gemstone, measured in carats, is one of the "4 Cs" that determine its value. The other "Cs" are cut, color, and clarity. A larger carat weight usually means a higher price, especially if the stone also has good cut, color, and clarity.
Where Did the Carat Unit Come From?
The word "carat" comes from the carob tree. In ancient times, people used carob seeds to weigh gemstones because they believed the seeds had a very consistent weight. While we now use precise scales, the name "carat" stuck!
What is a Carat for Gold Purity?
When you hear "carat" (sometimes spelled "karat") used with gold, it doesn't mean weight. Instead, it tells you how pure the gold is. Pure gold is very soft, so it's often mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable for jewelry.
How is Gold Purity Measured?
Gold purity is measured on a scale of 24.
- 24-carat (24K) gold is considered 100% pure gold. It means that all 24 parts out of 24 are pure gold.
- 18-carat (18K) gold means that 18 parts out of 24 are pure gold, and the remaining 6 parts are other metals (like copper, silver, or zinc). This makes it 75% pure gold (18/24 = 0.75).
- 14-carat (14K) gold means 14 parts out of 24 are pure gold, making it about 58.3% pure.
- 10-carat (10K) gold means 10 parts out of 24 are pure gold, making it about 41.7% pure.
Why Mix Gold with Other Metals?
Mixing gold with other metals, also known as creating an alloy, makes it:
- Stronger: Pure gold is very soft and can easily scratch or bend.
- More Durable: It lasts longer and is better for everyday wear.
- Different Colors: Mixing gold with different metals can create various shades, like white gold (with palladium or nickel) or rose gold (with copper).
Common Gold Carats in Jewelry
Most gold jewelry you see is 10K, 14K, or 18K. 24K gold is rarely used for jewelry because it's too soft. It's more common for gold bars or coins.
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