Is gold softer than platinum?

Answer by  SallyJ64 (3121)

Platinum is actually softer than gold, but it supposedly wears better than gold does which is why it is so highly recommended.

Answer by  anamaradancer (114)

Yes. Gold is a very soft metal, and unless it is mixed with other metals can be bent and even broken by hand.

Answer by  Golytelee (19)

In their pure state gold and platinum are only one number apart on the periodic table. Gold is 79 and platinum is 78. Their molar mass is only 1. 89g different. Based on their position, platinum would actually be the softer metal, but not appreciably so.

Answer by  TheAnswerFairy (2345)

No, it is exactly the opposite way. Platinum is significantly softer than gold. For that reason, it is less likely to be used in a pure state.

Answer by  KimberlyB (61)

PLatinum used to make jewelry is almost always used in its purest for, making it dense and heavy. Gold is made with percentages of gold in the jewelry, like 9kt (carats) only has 37.5 percent of pure gold, the higher the carats on gold the higher the percentage of pure gold in the jewelry.