Troy Pounds
Abbreviation/Symbol:
lb t
Worldwide use:
Troy pounds are a unit of measurement commonly used in the field of precious metals, particularly gold and silver. Unlike the more widely recognized avoirdupois pounds, which are used for everyday items and commodities, troy pounds are primarily used in the context of weighing and trading precious metals.
Definition:
The Troy pound is equivalent to 12 troy ounces, with each troy ounce being equal to 480 grains. In comparison, the avoirdupois pound is equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces, with each avoirdupois ounce being equal to 437.5 grains. This difference in weight between the Troy pound and the avoirdupois pound is important when dealing with precious metals, as it affects the value and purity of the metals being measured.
Origin:
The origin of Troy pounds can be traced back to ancient times, specifically to the city of Troy in Asia Minor. Troy was an important trading center and its weight system became widely used in the Mediterranean region. The Troy pound was primarily used for measuring precious metals, such as gold and silver, which were commonly traded commodities.
The Troy pound is believed to have been derived from the Roman pound, which was divided into 12 ounces. However, the Troy pound was slightly lighter than the Roman pound, with one Troy pound equaling approximately 0.82 Roman pounds. This difference in weight may have been due to variations in the measurement standards used by different civilizations.
Usage context:
Troy pounds are a unit of measurement commonly used in the context of precious metals, particularly gold and silver. Unlike the standard pound used in everyday life, which is based on the avoirdupois system, the troy pound is part of the troy weight system. This system is primarily used in the jewelry and precious metals industry, as well as in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.