Knowledge Base

Gold Glossary

Essential gold investment and trading terms explained in simple language.

A chemical test performed to determine the purity and composition of gold or other precious metals.

Bureau of Indian Standards certification mark that guarantees the purity of gold jewelry sold in India.

Gold in bulk form such as bars, ingots, or coins, valued by weight and purity rather than design.

A measure of gold purity. 24 karat is pure gold (99.9%), 22K is 91.6% pure, 18K is 75% pure.

Gold purchased and stored electronically, where physical gold is held in secure vaults on behalf of the buyer.

The purity of gold expressed in parts per thousand. 999 fineness equals 24K or 99.9% pure gold.

Exchange Traded Fund backed by physical gold that trades on stock exchanges like a regular share.

Systematic Investment Plan where fixed amounts are invested in gold at regular intervals.

The process of certifying the purity of gold items by an authorized assay office.

London Bullion Market Association — sets global standards for gold trading and refining.

Multi Commodity Exchange of India — where gold futures and options are traded.

Government securities denominated in grams of gold, issued by RBI on behalf of the Government of India.

The current market price at which gold can be bought or sold for immediate delivery.

The standard unit for weighing precious metals. 1 troy ounce = 31.1035 grams.

X-Ray Fluorescence — a non-destructive testing method to determine gold purity and composition.