Ordinary methods, like using typical magnets, do not attract gold.
Understanding Gold's Magnetic Properties
Gold is generally considered a diamagnetic material. This means it is weakly repelled by a magnetic field, rather than attracted to it. Unlike ferromagnetic materials such as iron or nickel, gold does not align itself with a magnetic field in a way that would cause it to be pulled towards a magnet.
What the Science Says
Based on the provided reference:
- Ordinary magnetic fields don't attract gold.
- However, a massive magnetic field can make this precious metal slightly magnetic. This induced magnetism is typically very weak compared to the attraction of ferromagnetic materials.
- If something you believe to be "pure gold" jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it likely contains other materials. Chances are that it contains a magnetic material, like iron or nickel. Magnetism is one of the physical properties used to help identify materials.
Practical Implications
For everyday purposes, you cannot attract gold using a standard magnet. Using a magnet to try and pick up or sort gold would be ineffective. If a metal object is strongly attracted to a magnet, you can be certain it is not pure gold.
Therefore, attracting gold is not achievable through typical magnetic means. Any interaction with a magnetic field is either repulsion (diamagnetic property) or, in extreme fields, a very slight induced magnetism, neither of which results in practical attraction.
