Does gold rust like iron does, forming a reddish-brown oxide layer? I understand that rust is a specific type of corrosion that requires iron and oxygen, but are there any other chemical reactions that can occur on the surface of gold that might be considered similar to rusting in terms of visual changes or degradation of the metal, even if they are technically different processes? What are the common misconceptions regarding gold’s reactivity and apparent “rusting,” and how do they arise?
Answer
Gold does not rust. Rust is a specific type of corrosion that occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water or moisture, forming iron oxide (rust).
Gold is a noble metal, which means it is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. It does not react easily with oxygen or water under normal conditions. This is due to its stable electronic configuration.