It is 4 – 4.5 on the
Platinum Scratches Easier than 14k Gold
Despite being more durable, platinum is actually a softer metal than 14k gold. This means it will scratch a little easier than 14k gold. However, an important thing to note is that when gold is scratched, the gold is lost (and it looks like a scratch).
Very little. But if you're wearing a particular platinum jewelry piece every day, then be cautious of what it comes into contact with. Harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach are a strict no-no. Even repeated exposure to chlorine in swimming pools causes the platinum to weaken over time.
Believe it or not, the chemicals present in everyday products like cleaning supplies, perfumes, hairsprays, etc. can be quite harsh. They can weaken the structure of your precious metal over a period of time. Also, the chlorine present in swimming pools can ruin the platinum's shine and cause discoloration.
Damage to platinum by salts, halogen compounds and acids
At room temperature platinum only dissolves slowly in aqua regia. Amongst the most severe effects are the melting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkali cyanides at high temperatures.
Although platinum does not oxidize in air at any temperature, it is corroded by cyanides, halogens, caustic alkalis, and sulfur.
As Platinum scratches, it will develop a patina-like appearance that will last. This is the reason why many designers prefer satin finishes, brushed and sand-blast finishes over the bright polished look. Polished Platinum especially the iridium alloys, Will display a bright natural white color.
The simplest tests are heating and discoloration. If the item is heated, for example, in a Bunsen flame, platinum will be more difficult or impossible to melt and the platinum will not discolour. The effect of acid is another basic test. None of the common acids will attack Pt.
Generally platinum is not magnetic. However, it depends on the platinum alloy: if the platinum is mixed with ruthenium, iridium or palladium then no, none of these are magnetic; if it's mixed with cobalt then yes, cobalt is magnetic so, theoretically, platinum can be attracted by a very powerful magnet.
Only polishing will remove scratches from gold and platinum. However, the patina of fine scratches that develops over time can add beauty to the jewelry and can reflect the journey a piece has taken. The polishing process removes metal and is only recommended to be carried out a few times over the life of the piece.
Because platinum is a noble metal, it doesn't tarnish, oxidize, or undergo other forms of corrosion. Noble metals are chemically inert, meaning they don't react with chemicals or moisture.
Similarly, diamonds are porous and can absorb water, which can cause the stone to become discolored or cloudy. On the other hand, platinum is a strong, durable metal that is less likely to be damaged by water.
It is 4 – 4.5 on the MOHs scale of hardness. This means it can be scratched by anything harder than it is. Diamond is ten on the MOHs scale and can easily scratch platinum. An amethyst is a seven on the MOHs scale and can scratch platinum.
Yes. Platinum and white gold are both shiny, but platinum is shinier because it reflects more visible light than gold. Most white gold alloys used for jewelry contain at least 58.3% gold content, which makes them less shiny than platinum. However, keep in mind that polished metals shine more than unpolished metals.
Platinum develops a patina over time, and will lose its shiny finish that it has in the beginning.
does platinum scratch? Yes. But all precious metals scratch. Platinum is distinct from other metals because scratches do not result in metal loss; instead, they produce a rich, vintage-like patina that develops over time.
Platinum - the chemical symbol PT - is classed as a 'noble' metal. This means it is unreactive, and pure Platinum will not tarnish, corrode, rust, or change colour over time. Platinum alloys of course could change this, depending on the metal(s) used, and the purity of the alloy.
Platinum is commonly used in jewellery and electronics. Although this precious metal looks great and is an excellent conductor, it has no magnetic properties.
Cons: Platinum Scratches - Being the premier choice for jewellery you would think it does not scratch, however just like all other precious metals, Platinum does scratch.
Because gold is mixed with other alloys, it's harder than platinum, meaning platinum jewelry becomes scratched more easily than gold jewelry.
While at first glance both silver and platinum appear silver in color, the two metals are actually easily discernible to the naked eye. Both have gray undertones, unlike white gold which has a warmer, yellow undertone, but platinum is much brighter and shinier and silver has a duller, gray appearance.
Making wastewater potable has a unique set of challenges, one of which is removing persistent chemicals and byproducts. Aldehydes, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, are toxic to humans. Removing aldehydes from wastewater requires a sustainable solution.
Don't handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing platinum jewelry. Although they won't hurt the Platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones. All precious metals can scratch and Platinum is no exception however, a scratch on Platinum is simply a displacement of the metal and none of the volume is lost.