what magnet attracts gold

Jan 05, 2024

Gold is not magnetic, so no magnet can attract it. However, this doesn't mean that magnets are useless when it comes to working with gold.

 

Magnets can be useful when sorting through materials that are not gold, but may contain small amounts of gold. One technique is to use a magnet to pull out any iron or steel bits that may be hiding in a mixture. By doing this, it may be easier to identify any gold that may be present, as it will not be attracted by the magnet.

 

Another way that a magnet can be helpful in working with gold is in the process of gold panning. When gold is found in streams or rivers, it is often mixed in with other materials, such as sand or gravel. By using a magnet to draw out any iron or steel particles in the mixture, the gold panner can increase their chances of finding pure gold.

 

It is important to note that while magnets may be useful in working with gold, they should be used carefully and with caution. It is possible for a magnet to accidentally attract small gold particles and cause them to be lost in the process. Additionally, if a magnet is too strong, it may damage or deform the delicate gold pieces.