Blue gold: what kind of metal is it, its characteristics, composition, and features

Jewelers who love something new and exquisite are not content with just what they have; they have a talent for invention. One such invention is blue gold. This gold can be obtained by alloying various additives. For example, blue gold is produced by combining ordinary gold with cobalt or with two other components, such as chromium and steel. Blue gold It does not have sufficient strength and hardness, so it is not used as an independent alloy.

There are four ways to get blue gold:

• gold (46%) is alloyed with indium (54%), resulting in a rich blue color, which is why this gold is also called blue;
• Gallium is added to gold, which gives the metal a pale blue color;
• the surface of gold is coated with rhodium, this process is also called radiating;
• application of a special blue varnish to the surface of a precious metal.

Since the first two methods are based on a chemical process, they are more effective and durable, giving the gold alloy durability and strength. blue gold Rhodium plating is an effective method, but not a long-lasting one; after a while, the process needs to be updated, which is labor-intensive and technologically complex.

Varnishing is considered the easiest method to obtain blue gold metal, The desired surface color is artificially achieved. This method is therefore inexpensive, but despite the primitive nature of producing this type of gold, it is in demand because the manufacturing process is difficult to detect. Each individual case requires a complex manufacturing technique, requiring specific pressure, high temperatures, meticulous attention to detail, and precise timing. Each of these processes is kept secret, known only to a limited number of jewelers.

It's not always possible to obtain blue gold that meets all the requirements on the first try. It may take a second or third attempt to achieve the desired result. Blue gold metal Blue gold can also be produced by adding cobalt to gold. This alloy was discovered by Argentine jewelers. Although blue gold is a new invention, it is in high demand in jewelry. Blue gold produced by jewelers contains 75% of ordinary gold, 22% of steel, 2.5% of platinum, and 0.5% of iridium, and has a 750 fineness. This iridium and platinum content reduces the gold's brittleness. However, blue gold alloy is fragile, so jewelers often use it not as a solid piece, but as a separate element or inlay set on ordinary gold.

The pleasant, delicate blue color delights and attracts the client's attention, evoking certain associations with the person who chose gold of this color. Jewelry houses produce entire collections of blue gold, including a wide variety of items—rings, earrings, watch dials, and more. Such pieces enjoy high prestige among the upper classes and command high prices.