Gold and silver have long been considered valuable metals due to their scarcity and resistance to corrosion. Both are used in jewelry and other decorative items, as well as in a number of industrial applications. While they share many similarities, there are some differences between gold and silver, including their weight. Gold is heavier than silver because it has a higher density. Here’s the long answer explained.
Is Gold Heavier Than Silver?
The answer to the question is gold heavier than silver is yes. Gold is heavier than silver. In fact, gold is about twice as heavy as silver. This difference in weight is one of the reasons why gold is often more expensive than silver.
Gold and silver are both elements, which means they are made up of only one type of atom. However, gold atoms are bigger than silver atoms. This size difference contributes to gold’s greater weight.
To illustrate the weight difference between gold and silver, consider a small gold bar that weighs one ounce. This bar would be about twice the size of a small silver bar that also weighs one ounce.
The weight difference between gold and silver is also evident in coins. A U.S. penny, for example, is made mostly of copper. However, it also has a small amount of zinc and nickel. Since gold is heavier than these other metals, a gold penny would be thicker and weigh more than a regular copper penny.
This difference in properties affects the value of both metals. The price of gold is $1,970 per ounce, while the price of silver is only $25.75 per ounce. This reflects the greater scarcity of gold and its greater resistance to corrosion.
Density Of Gold Vs Silver
Density is a measure of how much mass is packed into a given volume. The higher the density, the more mass per unit volume.
Gold has a density of 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter, while silver has a density of 10.5 grams per cubic centimeter. This difference in density is another reason why gold is heavier than silver.
To illustrate the density difference between gold and silver, consider a cube that is one inch on each side. It would take about 1.05 cubic inches of silver to fill the cube, while it would take 1.93 cubic inches of gold to fill the same space.
How Heavy Is Gold Compared To Other Metals?
Gold is heavier than other metals besides silver.
Its high density means it often comes out on top when other metals are weighed against it.
To give you a sense of how heavy gold is compared to other metals, here is a weight chart of different metals. Keep in mind the density of gold — 19.3:
| Metal | Weight (kg/dm3) |
|---|---|
| Iron | 7.9 |
| Aluminium | 2.7 |
| Nickel | 8.8 |
| Copper | 8.9 |
| Tin | 7.3 |
| Zinc | 7.1 |
| Magnesium | 1.8 |
| Mercury | 13.6 |
| Electrum | 8.4 |
| Tungsten | 19.1 |
Gold Vs Steel Weight
Another metal that is often compared to gold is steel. Both metals have unique properties that make them ideal for different purposes.
One of the most significant differences between gold and steel is their weight. Gold is significantly heavier than steel. This difference in weight can be seen when comparing the density of gold and steel.
The density of gold is 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter as already stated, while the density of steel is 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter. This means that a cubic inch of gold weighs about 1.3 ounces, while a cubic inch of steel only weighs 0.6 ounces.
This difference in weight has important implications for how each metal can be used. For example, because gold is so much heavier than steel, it is less likely to be blown away in the wind. This makes gold a better choice for jewelry that will be worn outdoors, such as wedding rings.
In contrast, steel is a better choice for tools or other objects that need to be strong and durable.
Also, the difference in the weight means that gold is more expensive than steel. The market price of gold is about $1,970 per ounce, while the cost of steel is only about $0.40 per pound. This difference in price reflects the fact that it takes significantly more gold to create a given weight than it does steel.
Gold Vs Lead Weight
Next up is lead. Gold and lead are two very different elements. They have different densities, colors, and melting points. Gold is a very dense element, weighing in at 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter. Lead is much less dense, weighing in at 11.34 grams per cubic centimeter. This means that a given volume of gold will weigh almost twice as much as an equal volume of lead.
Gold is also a soft metal, with a hardness of just 2.5 on the Mohs scale. Lead, on the other hand, is quite hard, with a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
Gold has a melting point of 1,064 degrees Celsius. Lead has a much lower melting point of 327 degrees Celsius. This means that lead can be melted at a much lower temperature than gold, making it easier to work with.
Due to its high density, gold is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. Lead is not as commonly used for decorative purposes, as it also has a less attractive color and is softer than gold. However, lead can be used in certain applications where its properties are advantageous, such as in ammunition and batteries.
These differences in properties mean that the cost of lead and gold also varies significantly. At the time of this writing, one ounce of gold is worth about $1,970 U.S. dollars, while one pound of lead is worth $1,1135 U.S. dollars.
Final Words
Gold is definitely heavier than silver, making it a better choice for jewelry. Gold is also more expensive than silver, making it a more luxurious choice. Silver is still a valuable metal, but it doesn’t have the same prestige as gold does. Also, gold is heavier than steel, lead, and metals like those listed in the chart. Clearly, it’s a superior metal.
