Are Olympic Gold Medals Really Made of Gold?
Contrary to popular belief, Olympic gold medals are not entirely made of gold. They are primarily composed of silver (92.5%), coated with a layer of pure gold (7.5%) that is only 6 grams thick. The gold coating gives the medals their characteristic golden appearance, but it also makes them much more durable than if they were made of pure gold.
This composition was adopted by the International Olympic Committee in 1912 to reduce the cost of producing the medals while still maintaining their value and prestige. Pure gold medals would have been prohibitively expensive, and they would have been prone to bending and damage.
The silver core of the medals also serves a practical purpose. Silver is a good conductor of heat, so it helps to dissipate the body heat of the athletes who wear them around their necks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much gold is in an Olympic gold medal? 7.5 grams
2. What is the composition of the silver core? Sterling silver (92.5% silver)
3. Why are Olympic gold medals not made of pure gold? To reduce cost and increase durability
4. What is the thickness of the gold coating? 6 grams
5. What is the weight of an Olympic gold medal? Approximately 500 grams
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