Density of Gold and Other Metals

Density and Specific Gravity

For most practical purposes, density and specific gravity are the same. However, there are slight differences between them, as most scientists would appreciate.

Density

Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of an object to its volume.

Density should correctly be expressed in units of "unit mass per unit volume", e.g. grams per cubic centimetre. The figure quoted is often the same as that for specific gravity. For those who are unsure what "mass" means, consider it to be the same as "weight", you will not be far out.

For the benefit of Nottingham University students, please note that the figure for S.G. is the same as the figures in grams per cubic centimetre = tonnes per cubic metre = S.I. units.

Specific Gravity

Specific gravity is defined in Webster's dictionary as the ratio of the weight or mass of a given volume of a substance to that of another substance (usually water for solids and liquids) used as a standard. Specific gravity is not expressed in units as it is purely a ratio.

Specific Gravity Table

All figures quoted are approximate. Please note that actual densities may vary according to the exact physical state of the metal, as cast, rolled, drawn, because of varying degrees of porosity and its temperature.

Alloys will vary considerably according to the other components they contain.

Other Facts about Gold Weight

It follows from the above table that:

• A cubic centimetre of gold will weigh 19.3 grams.
• A cubic metre of gold will weigh 19.3 tonnes.
• A cubic inch of gold will weigh 10.13 troy ounces = 11.06 avoirdupois (ordinary) ounces.
• A cubic foot of gold will weigh 1188.6 pounds (avoirdupois).

We hope this helps!

Our thanks to Dr. Alastair Brown who spotted that we had given the units/no units information the wrong way round, and kindly e-mailed, to allow us to correct the error. (We owe you a beer, Dr Brown.)