What is Blue Gold? How It Gets Its Blue Color + Making Process
Published: 09 Feb 2025
Hey guys!
You might have heard about gold that is yellow, rose, and white, but have you ever seen a blue type of gold? You might not have heard about it.
But don’t worry I have got you covered.
A fun fact, whenever people hear about gold that is not yellow, one word comes to their mind that it’s a fake gold.
However, this statement is wrong.
Various colors of gold are made by mixing pure gold with other metals to make it more strong for daily wear jewelry.
So briefly, blue gold is also a type of gold that is made by combining pure gold, especially with indium or gallium.
It gets its blue hue due to the mixture of indium or gallium with gold.
So guys let’s come and understand blue gold further. Here, I shared a detailed guide on what blue gold is, how it is made, its pros and cons, how to care for it, and whether it’s real or fake.
What Is Blue Gold? It’s Types.
guys, as I mentioned above, blue gold is a type of gold made by mixing pure gold, especially with indium, gallium, and sometimes iron.
Depending on which metal is used to make blue gold, its purity level varies and becomes its type.
For example, if blue gold is made by mixing pure gold with gallium, the precise ratio of both metals will be
- 58.5% gold
- And 41.5% gallium.
So the final product will be 14-karat gallium-based blue gold and chemically represented as AuGa2.
On the other hand, if blue gold is made by mixing pure gold with indium, the precise ratio of both metals will vary from gallium-based blue gold.
In this case, we mix almost 46% pure gold with 54% indium and form 11-karat indium-based blue gold that is chemically known as AuIn2.
As you can see, the composition of blue gold depends on the type of metal used.
The ratio of gold and alloying metal directly affects its purity and chemical structure. But there’s more to blue gold than just gallium and indium.
Blue gold is also made by mixing gold with iron. This process follows a different method:
- The typical composition is about 75% gold and 25% iron, forming an 18-karat iron-based blue gold alloy.
- Unlike gallium- and indium-based blue gold, which gets its color from the alloy itself, iron-based gold requires oxidation.
- When the gold and iron alloy is heated in an oxygen-rich environment, a thin oxide layer forms on the surface of the gold, which afterward gives it a deep blue appearance.
This type of blue gold is more durable than gallium- and indium-based blue gold, but its blue color is only on the surface.
Over time, this thin blue layer over gold can oxidize and fade.
Which Type of Blue Gold Is More Common?
Among these three types, gallium- and indium-based blue gold are chemically true alloys, meaning their blue color exists throughout the material.
However, they are also more brittle, making them less practical for jewelry that experiences daily wear.
On the other hand, gold-iron blue gold is stronger and more durable, but its blue color is only skin-deep.
This makes it a better option for jewelry where surface treatment can be reapplied if needed.
Key Differences in Blue Gold Types.
| Type | Metals ratio | Karat | Durability | Color stability |
| Gold-gallium (AuGa2) | 58.5% god + 41.5% gallium | 14k | Brittle | Permanent |
| Gold-indium (AuIn2) | 46% gold + 54% Indium | 11kb | Brittle | Permanent |
| Gold-Iron | 75% gold + 25% Iron | 18k | Strong | Can wear off |
Is Blue Gold Real?
Of course yes. Blue gold is real gold but not 100% pure.
It contains a significant amount of pure gold mixed with other metals like gallium or indium to create its unique blue color.
Despite being an alloy, blue gold holds its resale value, especially among collectors and luxury jewelry buyers.
Its authenticity can be verified through karat stamps, professional gold testing, and its distinctive metallic blue hue, which is formed through intermetallic bonding rather than plating or surface treatments.
How Is Blue Gold Made?
Blue gold is one of the rarest gold alloys, known for its striking blue hue and unique composition.
Unlike traditional gold alloys, which simply mix metals, blue gold forms an intermetallic compound—a material with a stable, distinct crystal structure.
This is what gives it its signature color and makes its production more complex than standard gold alloys.
I have worked with Blue Gold for almost two years. So here is a step-by-step guide on how blue gold is made.
Gold Selection and Alloying Elements
We start the process by selecting pure gold and combining it with specific metals. The most commonly used alloying elements include:
- Gallium (Ga₂): gallium is a naturally deep blue-gray colored metal that helps us create 14K blue gold.
- Indium (In₂): Help us produce 11K blue gold; it’s slightly stronger than gallium-based gold but still delicate.
- Iron (Fe): iron is the best metal to create 18k but strong blue gold. It requires oxidation to achieve its 18K blue surface color.
Each metal reacts differently with gold, impacting the final hue and durability.
Higher gold content increases strength, but too much can reduce the intensity of the blue color.
Melting and Alloy Formation
After selecting the key components and their precise ratio, we start heating them in a high-temperature furnace.
The melting points vary based on the metal used:
- Gallium-based blue gold melts between 500-800°C (932-1472°F).
- Indium-based blue gold requires 700-1000°C (1292-1832°F).
- Iron-based blue gold needs an even higher temperature and oxidation treatment.
During heating, precise control is essential.
If the temperature is too high, unwanted compounds can form, weakening the structure.
If too low, the metals may not bond properly, leading to an unstable alloy.
Crystalline Structure Formation
Unlike traditional gold alloys, blue gold doesn’t just mix metals—it undergoes a structural transformation at an atomic level.
When melted, the gold atoms bond with the alloying metal to form a new crystal lattice.
This lattice interacts with light, reflecting blue wavelengths while absorbing others.
This scientific process, called structural interference, is the same principle seen in butterfly wings or peacock feathers, where colors emerge from microscopic structures rather than pigments.
Controlled Cooling and Hardening
Once the alloy forms, it must be cooled carefully to ensure stability:
- Rapid cooling locks in a brighter blue but can make the metal brittle.
- Slow cooling produces a deeper blue with improved durability.
Since blue gold is naturally fragile, cooling must be handled with precision.
Any sudden temperature change can cause internal cracks, making it difficult to shape into jewelry.
Final Processing and Jewelry Making
After cooling, the raw blue gold is shaped into bars, sheets, or jewelry components.
For iron-based blue gold, an additional oxidation process is required to bring out the blue color.
Blue Gold Maintenance
In reality, blue gold is very rare and not easily available. However, if you especially order it, you must know how to care for it.
Here, I shared some practical tips on how to clean and keep your blue gold jewelry in top-notch condition.
How to Clean Blue Gold?
Follow these steps to clean your blue gold.
- First of all, prepare a gentle cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap or dishwashing liquid. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the alloy.
- Then, soak the blue gold jewelry in the solution and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to loosen any dirt or debris. Do not leave it for too long, as prolonged exposure to water can weaken certain blue-gold alloys.
- In the third step, gently clean the surface by using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a microfiber cloth to remove dirt. Be extra careful not to scratch the surface, as blue gold is more fragile than other gold alloys.
- And in the last step, rinse the jewelry under lukewarm water to remove soap residue. After that Pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry completely before storing.
How to Keep Your Blue Gold Safe for Years to Come?
Proper care can make your blue gold last longer. Here are some tips to follow.
- Store separately to prevent scratches by keeping it in a soft pouch or a fabric-lined jewelry box.
- Avoid moisture as exposure to water, sweat, or humidity can weaken some blue gold alloys, especially gallium-based ones.
- Keep away from chemicals like perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products that may chemically react with gold and can degrade it.
- Remove before activities such as sports, household chores, or manual work to prevent accidental damage.
- Polish carefully using a specialized jewelry polishing cloth instead of commercial cleaners that might be too harsh.
By following these steps, you can keep your blue gold jewelry in pristine condition for years to come.
Where to Buy Blue Gold Jewelry?
Guys, as I told you before in the beginning, blue gold is very rare, the same as purple gold, and not easily available everywhere.
It’s difficult to manufacture as well and manufacturing costs are also higher than traditional ones, so it’s not widely used in the jewelry industry.
However, some brands I see still produce blue gold jewelry, but rarely.
If you want to buy blue gold watches, you can find them in Patek Philippe or Greubel Forsey stores that particularly sell high-end watches.
But If you are looking for some affordable blue-gold jewelry, you should opt for vintages that are 50-100 years old.
Wilke’s Jewels and Jewelry Authority is the best way to find vintage jewelry.
Interesting Facts About Blue Gold
The facts about blue gold include;
- Blue gold was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th century when scientists experimented with gold alloys to create new colors.
- Its blue color directly comes from the mixture of gold with other metals like gallium and indium, not from coatings—this means the color is part of the metal itself and won’t wear off like gold-plated jewelry.
- It is one of the rarest gold types and is not commonly found in jewelry stores.
- Its color can shift slightly depending on the lighting, sometimes appearing deep blue and other times with a hint of violet.
- It is more fragile than yellow gold because of its unique alloy structure, making it less suitable for daily wear.
- Luxury brands sometimes use blue gold in high-end watches, decorative pieces, and artistic designs.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
