Understanding the Grammatical Nuances of Silver Weight Measurements: Troy vs. Avoirdupois
It is a common misconception that 12 ounces of silver is equal to a pound of silver. This misunderstanding is often due to the different systems used to measure precious metals. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of silver weight measurements in both the avoirdupois system and the troy system. We will also delve into practical applications and common pitfalls when dealing with these measurements.
The Avoirdupois System: A Common Misunderstanding
Many people mistakenly assume that a pound of silver is equal to 16 ounces, identical to the avoirdupois system used for goods sold in grocery stores and markets. However, the weight of a pound of silver is actually 12 ounces when measured using the troy system, which is specifically used for precious metals and gemstones.
To clarify, in the United States, a pound of anything (excluding precious metals and gemstones) is equal to 16 ounces. However, when referring to silver or other precious metals, 16 ounces is not a pound; it is a troy pound made up of 12 troy ounces. Therefore, 12 ounces of silver does not equal a pound of silver; it is actually 4 ounces short of a pound (troy).
Settling a Great Bar Bet
For those who enjoy setting up clever bar bets, one classic question is whether a pound of feathers is heavier than a pound of gold. When people think in terms of weight and density, they often make the incorrect assumption that a pound of gold is heavier than a pound of feathers. However, both are indeed a pound, but their weight is measured differently using the avoirdupois system (16 ounces per pound) and the troy system (12 ounces per pound).
For example, a pound of feathers weighs 454 grams (16 ounces), while a pound of gold, measured in troy ounces, weighs 373 grams (12 troy ounces). This can be a bit tricky to settle, as troy ounces are noticeably heavier than avoirdupois ounces, and one would need to refer to a reference book or check online to resolve the discrepancy accurately.
The Uses of the Troy System
The troy system is primarily used for measuring precious metals and gemstones, including silver, gold, platinum, and gemstones. The troy system is named after the French town of Troyes, where it was first standardized in the 15th century. In this system, a pound is equal to 12 troy ounces.
Note that a troy ounce is approximately 31.1035 grams, while an avoirdupois ounce is approximately 28.3495 grams.
A troy pound weighs approximately 373 grams, while a pound of potatoes (avoirdupois) weighs around 454 grams (16 avoirdupois ounces). This difference is crucial when dealing with precious metals but might not be immediately apparent without understanding the nuances of each system.
Conclusion: Precious Metals and Troy Ounces
In the realm of precious metals, troy ounces and pounds are the standard. Many people and businesses that deal with silver and other precious metals will use troy ounces and pounds as their default units of measurement unless specified otherwise.
It is important to note that the troy system is not always the default, and confusion can arise if the system used is not explicitly stated. When referring to silver, unless specified as avoirdupois, troy measurements are more commonly used, even though avoirdupois pounds are more familiar in everyday usage.
So, next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to measure silver, make sure you are using the correct system to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes. Understanding the grammatical nuances between these systems can save you a lot of trouble in both literal and figurative terms.