Gold alloys
10k Gold
10 karats, 417‰
Pale yellow, noticeably lighter than 14k. White and rose variants also produced
Composition
41.7% gold, balance of silver, copper, zinc, and nickel
Physical properties
| Density | 11.60 g/cm³ | Weight per unit volume. Platinum is ~40% heavier than 18k gold at equal size |
|---|---|---|
| Melting range | 780–820 °C | Working temperature for alloys. Pure metals have a sharp melting point |
| Vickers hardness | 170 HV | Higher HV = greater scratch resistance in service |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5 | Approximate equivalent for comparative reference |
| Tensile strength | 450 MPa | Resistance to breaking under tension, relevant for prongs and fine settings |
| Purity | 41.70% | Fine metal content by mass |
| Tarnish resistance | Good | Surface oxidation / sulphidation under typical wear conditions |
| Workability | Excellent | Ease of forming, soldering, and fabricating under standard jewellery workshop conditions |
| Hypoallergenic | Allergy risk | Likelihood of triggering skin reactions under normal wear |
Common uses
Budget fine jewellery, class rings, children's jewellery, fashion jewellery, costume-adjacent fine pieces
Hallmarking & identification
Minimum legal gold standard in the United States. Not considered gold in the EU (minimum 375‰/9k required in most markets). Stamped 417 or 10K.
Care & maintenance
Harder than higher-karat alloys but more prone to tarnishing over time due to high base metal content. Clean with mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Market & pricing
Lowest-cost fine gold. Significant price advantage over 14k for budget-conscious buyers.