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What is specific gravity? Specific gravity is simply the weight in grams of one cubic centimeter of a metal.
The Specific Gravity Test (used to calculate the gold content of gold nuggets that contain a mixture of gold and other materials) In this example of the specific gravity test, we use gold mixed with quartz. Simply put, the formula is 3.1 x the weight in water, minus 1.9 x the weight in air:
Wet nugget weighs 74.5 grams x 3.1 = 230.95
Dry nugget weighs 96 grams x 1.9 = 182.4
230.95 - 182.4 = 48.55
31.1 = number of grams per ounce
48.55 / 31.1 = 1.56 ounces of gold
Original dry weight = 96 grams / 31.1 = 3.08 ounces.
Subtract the difference between the wet and the dry:
3.08 ounces - 1.56 ounces = 1.52 ounces.
Therefore what is left is 1.52 ounces of quartz.
"Wet" = weight in water - Put container of water (enough water to cover nugget) on scale. Tare (zero) out scale. Hang nugget by string in water. Note weight. Or, weigh the nugget in and out of water and subtract the difference.
The specific gravity for gold is 19.3.
The specific gravity for quartz is 2.65.
The ratio between gold and quartz is 7.28 X.
Here are specific gravity’s and other properties of a few more metals:
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