The purity of gold and silver refers to the percentage or fineness of these precious metals in their purest form. The purity is typically measured in karats for gold and in parts per thousand for silver.

Given the inputs, we will discuss the purity of both gold and silver individually:

GOLD :

The purity of gold is commonly stated in karats, with 24 karat (24K) being the highest level of purity. Pure gold is 99.9% gold or 24K. However, in practical applications, gold jewelry or bullion is often alloyed with other metals to increase durability and alter its properties. The most common gold alloys used in jewelry are 18K (75% gold), 14K (58.5% gold), and 10K (41.7% gold). These alloys maintain a good balance between purity and durability.

SILVER :

The purity of silver is usually expressed in parts per thousand or as a decimal. Pure silver is known as fine silver and is 99.9% silver. However, like gold, silver is often alloyed with other metals, primarily copper, to increase its strength and hardness for practical use. Sterling silver, for example, is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, equating to a purity of .925 or 925 parts per thousand. This alloy is widely used in jewelry and silverware due to its appealing appearance and durability.

In summary, the purity of gold can be measured in karats, with 24K being the purest form, while the purity of silver is often expressed in parts per thousand, with fine silver being 99.9% pure. However, in practical applications, both gold and silver are often alloyed with other metals to enhance their properties, while maintaining a suitable level of purity for their intended uses.