What Is Green Gold? What Makes Green Gold Green? You Know?

Published: 16 Jan 2025

Hey everyone!

Have you ever been confused about green gold? While it’s understandable that gold is typically yellow, does green gold exist worldwide? If yes, then what is green gold?

Let me tell you: Green gold is a type of gold made by mixing pure gold with silver, cadmium, and zinc.

Guys, do you know what gives green gold its green color? How is it made? No? Let’s explore these questions deeply. Here, I share what green gold is, what makes it green, how we make it, and the key properties that you may not know.

So are you ready to learn more?

Table of Content

What Is Green Gold? It's Key Properties.
Are There Any Types of Green Gold?
Where Is Green Gold Used?
What Is the Brief History of Green Gold?
What Are the Advantages of Green Gold
What Are the Disadvantages of Green Gold?
How to Clean Green Gold?
Is Green Gold Real?
Interesting Facts About Green Gold.

What Is Green Gold? It’s Key Properties.

Guys, as I mentioned before, green gold (also called electrum) is a type of gold but in the form of an alloy that has a soft green tint. An alloy simply means its mixture of more than one metal.

Green Gold is made by combining pure gold with silver, cadmium, and sometimes zinc. And you know the main thing, silver, and cadmium are the only metals that make green gold green.

Pure gold is always delicate and prone to scratching easily but when it’s combined with silver, cadmium, and zinc, it becomes 10 times harder than pure gold and also becomes completely fit for daily wear jewelry.

Here are the key properties of green gold.

Durability: Stronger and more scratch-resistant than pure gold due to silver and cadmium content.
Workability: Easy to mold and shape, ideal for crafting intricate jewelry designs.
Hypoallergenic: green gold is hypoallergenic which means it does not cause any allergic reactions even with sensitive skin.
Unique Aesthetic: Offers a distinct and elegant look compared to traditional yellow or rose gold.

Are There Any Types of Green Gold?

Yes, guys, there are three main types of green gold depending on its purity level. The purity level of green gold is determined by the word karat or carat, which I also discussed in the portion of different gold types.

Here I define it simply, karat is a unit that shows the purity level of gold and is usually written with the letter “k”. Here are three main types of green gold based on its purity level.

18k green gold: contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals where silver is the primary part.
14k green gold: made of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals like silver and cadmium.
10k green gold: consists of 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals, especially silver and cadmium.

Where Is Green Gold Used?

Green gold is used in various industries, from fashion to art and decorative items. Here is where green gold or electrum is used.

Jewelry: green gold is used to make rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Sometimes goldsmiths also use it to highlight the leaves and flowers of any jewelry.
Coins: green gold is the first element that was used to make coins in Egypt and Anatolia.
Art: it’s used as a modern pigment in oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints for its earthy warmth and amber undertone.
Decorative Items: green gold was used to make ancient drinking vessels and to plate pyramidions. The Nobel Prizes are also made from green gold but plated with pure gold.

What Is the Brief History of Green Gold?

Guys, Green gold or electrum, has a rich history dating back to thousands of years. It was one of the first naturally occurring alloys of gold and silver and was widely used in the production of early coins in the 7th century BCE in Anatolia ( modern-day Turkey).

It is also mentioned in the cultural and religious books in ancient texts like the Bible and Homer’s Odyssey. The Ancient Egyptians used electrum (green gold) to adorn temples, obelisks, and pyramid capstones.

But over time, green gold has evolved from ancient artifacts to modern alloys that are now used in jewelry, art, and even making iconic Nobel Prize medals since 1980.

What Are the Advantages of Green Gold

Green gold is highly valued for its unique appearance and rich history. It combines beauty with versatility, making it an ideal choice for jewelry and other applications. Here is how green gold is best.

It has a distinct and elegant greenish hue, making it ideal for modern jewelry designs.
It adds interesting accents to intricate, nature-inspired pieces.
More durable than pure gold.
Linked to an ancient history as old as the pyramids, adding cultural significance.
It’s hypoallergenic which means people with sensitive skin also can wear it, it will not cause any allergic reactions.

What Are the Disadvantages of Green Gold?

While green gold has many advantages, there are some downsides to consider, especially related to its composition and maintenance.

It contains silver, which can tarnish over time and require polishing.
Custom jewelry and safe alloys can be expensive.
Not everyone may find the green tint appealing because it’s rare.
Can be allergic if nickel is added while making.

How to Clean Green Gold?

Guys, green gold can tarnish over time, so keeping it maintained is crucial. Here are some steps that will help you clean your greenish gold easily.

Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water.
Let your green gold jewelry soak in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean any crevices.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all soap residue.
Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Now you will see your green gold will be shining again.

Pinned Note: Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive materials. These materials can harm your jewelry instead of cleaning it.

Is Green Gold Real?

Absolutely Yes, green gold is real. It is a genuine alloy made by mixing gold with other metals like silver, cadmium, or zinc to create its unique greenish hue.

While it occurs naturally in the form of electrum, most green gold used today is man-made for jewelry and decorative items. Its subtle green tint and historical significance make it both unique and valuable.

Interesting Facts About Green Gold.

Green gold is a natural alloy of gold and silver, sometimes with traces of copper.
It was used by Ancient Egyptians to coat pyramid tops and temple decorations.
The first-ever coins in history were made from green gold.
Its greenish tint is subtle and comes from the silver content mixed with gold.
Green gold is easy to polish and maintains its shine, even after tarnishing.
Jewelers use it today to create designs inspired by nature, like leaves and flowers.