Gold, also called golden, is a yellowish orange color which is a representation of the color of the element gold. The usual gray colour of metals depends on their "electron sea" that is capable to absorb and re-emit photons over a wide range of frequences.

Gold behaves differently, depending on subtle relativistic effects that affect the orbitals around gold atoms. Because of the softness of pure (24k) gold, it is usually alloyed with base metals for use in jewelry, altering its hardness and ductility, melting point, color and other properties. Alloys with lower "k", typically 22k, 18k, 14k or 10k, contain higher percentages of copper, silver or other base metals in the alloy.