A gold flake, often comparable in thinness to gold leaf, is incredibly thin, measuring just 0.000125 mm.
Understanding the Thinness
Gold flakes are essentially small, delicate pieces of gold that are hammered or processed to be extraordinarily thin. While the term "flake" might suggest an irregular shape, their defining characteristic in many applications is their extreme thinness, much like gold leaf.
According to the reference provided, gold leaf has a thickness of 0.000125 mm. This means:
- Metric Measurement: The thickness is just 0.000125 millimeters.
- Layer Comparison: One millimeter is equivalent to stacking approximately 8,000 layers of this wafer-thin gold leaf on top of each other.
This remarkable thinness is what allows gold flakes and leaf to be used in various applications, from decoration and art to culinary uses, as they can be applied or consumed without adding significant bulk or weight.
Applications of Thin Gold
Due to its unique properties and extreme thinness, gold flake/leaf is used in several interesting ways:
- Art and Decoration: Applying to surfaces like furniture, frames, or architectural elements.
- Culinary: Used as a garnish on food and drinks, adding a touch of luxury. It is biologically inert and passes through the digestive system safely.
- Cosmetics: Incorporated into beauty products.
The process of creating something so thin involves extensive hammering and processing of gold, showcasing skilled craftsmanship.
Key Measurement Summary
Here's a quick look at the key figures regarding the thinness:
| Characteristic | Measurement (Gold Leaf) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.000125 mm |
| Layers per 1 mm | ~8,000 |
This illustrates just how fine and delicate these gold materials are.
