What Does Chap 24k Mean?

When carrying out an internet search for 'chap 24k', the only results that appear are spelling errors for 'cheap 24k'. In these examples 'cheap 24k' is referring to jewelry that is made from 24 carat gold and is inexpensive for what it is. 24k gold is pure gold. Due to its softness it is quite unusual to find jewelry or anything else made with pure gold. Usually, pure gold is alloyed with other metals, such as copper.

• Gold
  

Gold is the most malleable and ductile metal known and in its purist form it has a bright yellow color and luster that can be maintained without oxidizing in the air or in water.

It is the least reactive chemical known to man, except for the noble gases and is a transition metal. Gold has always been very valuable and is highly sought after for use in jewelry, coinage and a number of other uses. While gold can resist attacks by individual acids, it can be dissolved in aqua regia. It can also be dissolved in alkaline solutions of cyanides, these methods are often used in mining to help with the extraction process.

• Where gold is found
  

When found naturally gold occurs as nuggets or grains. It can been found in rocks, veins and in alluvial deposits. Occasionally gold can be found within minerals in gold compounds, mostly in tellurium. Gold standards have been the most common basis for monetary policies and has only been supplanted by fiat currency in the last century.

It has been recorded that throughout human history over 165,000 tons of gold have been mined. This amount equates to 5.3 billion troy ounces or 8500 meters cubed. When considered in terms of its usage approximately 50 per cent of gold is used for jewelry, 40 per cent for investments and ten per cent within industry.