Question 1

How are precious metals weighed?

Accepted Answer

Troy system: 12 troy oz = 1 troy pound. 1 troy oz = 31.1 grams. Gold, silver, platinum use troy ounces.

Question 2

Why use troy ounces for gold?

Accepted Answer

Troy system predates avoirdupois and was standard for precious metals since medieval times. 1 troy oz > 1 regular oz.

Question 3

Is there a difference between mass and weight?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mass (kg) is amount of matter, constant everywhere. Weight (newtons or pounds-force) is gravitational force on mass, varies by location.

Question 4

Why do jewelry and precious metals use different units?

Accepted Answer

Troy system (troy ounces, pennyweights) has been used for precious metals since the Middle Ages. 1 troy oz = 31.1g vs 1 regular oz = 28.35g.

Precious Metals Weight Converter - Gold, Silver, Platinum

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