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What Happens When You Put Real Gold in Bleach?

James H. Sterling • • 7 min read
What Happens When You Put Real Gold in Bleach?
★ Key Takeaways

Both Cause a Chemical Reaction That Disintegrates the Alloys in the Jewelry over Time. (Nearly All Gold Jewelry Is Alloyed, Because Pure Gold Is Too Soft on Its Own.) One Study Showed That When a 14K White Gold Ring Was Placed in Common Household Bleach for 36 Hours, the Ring Completely Disintegrated!

Take a look at a comprehensive breakdown on What Happens When You Put Real Gold in Bleach.

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Both Cause a Chemical Reaction That Disintegrates the Alloys in the Jewelry over Time. (Nearly All Gold Jewelry Is Alloyed, Because Pure Gold Is Too Soft on Its Own.) One Study Showed That When a 14K White Gold Ring Was Placed in Common Household Bleach for 36 Hours, the Ring Completely Disintegrated!

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James H. Sterling
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James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.