Quilates
The degree of purity of gold, its fineness, is measured in carats, whose abbreviation is well "k" or "kt". Thus, 1k equals 1/24 or 4,167%.
The most common alloys are:
- 21.6 carats or 900/1000, or gold coins
- 22 carats or 916/1000, which is, for example, the purity of the krugerrand
- 24 carats or 999/1000, which is considered pure gold
The term quilate has its origin in the Greek word "keration", which means Algarroba. In ancient times, carob seeds were used to weigh jewelry and gems. This system of regret, and its measure, were adopted by the Arabs and the word evolved to "Quirat", re -mutating when the Castilian adopted it to become the final "Quilate".